THEOSISJohn Chrysostom
This reading invites us to revisit the figure of Abraham, our foundational patriarch. It is hardly surprising that after exploring his narrative for many days, we still find ourselves unable to conclude his story today. The vastness of the righteous man's virtues and the splendor of his character surpass all human expression. Who among us could adequately honor one whom God Himself has exalted and crowned? While our words may fall short of his glory, we aim to inspire in you a zeal to emulate his admirable qualities by recounting the significant events of his life. The wisdom of this faithful man provides ample instruction to guide anyone who seeks to walk the path of virtue.
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I urge you to listen closely, for through this reading, you may gain insight into the righteousness of this man, enabling both husbands and wives to understand how to live in perfect harmony and uphold the sanctity of their marriage, ensuring that neither partner rebels against the other, but rather supports one another, valuing domestic peace above all else.
To clarify this teaching, we must turn to the words of Scripture: "But Sarah, Abram's wife, bore him no child. She had an Egyptian maid, named Hagar." Reflect, dear friends, on the remarkable patience of God, coupled with the extraordinary faith and contentment shown by the righteous man in response to God's promises. Despite God repeatedly assuring him of the gift of land for his descendants and promising to multiply his lineage to the extent that it would rival the stars in the sky, Abraham remained unwavering. When faced with the reality that these promises appeared unfulfilled and perhaps even out of reach, he did not waver in his faith; instead, he remained steadfast, trusting in the power of the One who made these promises.
The Scriptures underscore this experience by stating, "But Sarah, Abram's wife, bore him no child," illustrating that even after all that had transpired, including the covenant established with him and the assurance of countless descendants, Abraham did not succumb to despair nor doubt, even when confronted with the stark reality of Sarah's barrenness. His faith did not falter as he perceived the challenges posed by nature. Understanding the wisdom of the Lord, the creator who can open pathways in seemingly impossible situations, Abraham chose not to dwell on how such things might be accomplished. Instead, he entrusted it to God's inscrutable Providence and believed in His word. Thus, we read that "Sarah... bore him no child" and "She had an Egyptian maid, named Hagar." It is not without purpose that Scripture highlights this servant girl; mentioning her Egyptian heritage serves as a reminder of her origin. This reference leads us back to the past, revealing that she was among those whom Pharaoh had given to Sarah when God's intervention delivered her, allowing Sarah to bring this servant back with her to Canaan. The divine text makes known her name and lineage for a reason.