Genesis 18:6Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

He urged her to act immediately, saying, "Hurry; we have gained a tremendous blessing; we must not miss this opportunity, but 'knead three measures of the finest flour.'" Understanding the value of such a noble act, he wanted his life partner to also partake in the rewards. Why, then, did he give this command to his aged wife rather than a servant? (For she was already ninety years old.) Sarah willingly accepted the task and exerted great effort. Let both husbands and wives learn from this! Husbands should guide their wives to engage directly in spiritual endeavors rather than delegating to servants, while wives should eagerly participate in their husbands' good works, embracing acts of kindness towards strangers without embarrassment, just as Sarah, despite her age, took upon herself this labor, fulfilling responsibilities often reserved for others. Yet, I recognize that my words may not be well-received. Today, we observe a vastly different attitude; many women prioritize comfort, fashion, gold, and external beauty over the care of their souls. Even the admonitions of Paul, who declared, "In like manner also that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with propriety and moderation, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or costly clothing" (1 Tim. 2:9), often go unheeded. Notice how this soul, having ascended to heaven, did not shy away from addressing such superficial matters, recognizing the need to correct those whose souls suffer from such distractions. He urged, if you desire to adorn yourself, do so with the true embellishment fitting for devout wives: be adorned with good deeds. This adornment of the soul remains imperishable and immune to theft, always intact. External ornaments lead to numerous ills; I do not imply merely harm to the soul or the vanity, pride, and moral corruption they can cause, but consider how easily such adornments can be lost — from the malice of servants, thievery, or slander — yielding countless troubles and unending grief. In contrast, Sarah exhibited genuine beauty aligned with her ancestral lineage; as Abraham hurried to fulfill his divine task, she diligently heeded his call and prepared three measures of pure flour. Since there were three visitors, he requested three measures be prepared, ensuring the bread would be ready promptly.

Indeed, the Church upholds faith in the deepest spirit, affirming the Trinitarian nature of the one God, offering equal worship and reverence to the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, glorifying them in a singular majesty while recognizing the unique Persons. Let your devotion align with this declaration of faith!

The caring husband does not allow his wife to be overlooked in acts of service, nor does he greedily take all for himself. The duties of piety and honor hold equal importance. Abraham desires that acts of devotion be shared, while the matters of reverence are fully entrusted to Sarah. Outside the tent, the man anticipates his guests' arrival, while inside, Sarah maintains the dignity of womanhood, attending to her responsibilities with due regard for her honor. The husband greets the guests outside, while Sarah prepares the meal within. Abraham hurries to act, urging his wife to do likewise, demonstrating their shared devotion and unity of faith. "Knead three measures of the finest flour and bake loaves in the ashes" (Genesis 18:6). In Greek, these loaves are termed ένκρύφια, meaning hidden, as every sacrament must be veiled, enveloped in sacred silence to prevent carelessness from allowing it to reach the ears of the untrained. This silence nourishes divine majesty, fostering an awareness in those who are discreet in their speech, guarding the sacred from the masses. Through the three measures of flour, the sacrament of faith conveys a brief instruction from Sarah, a figure of the Church. Concerning her, it is proclaimed, "Rejoice, O barren one, who has not given birth; cry aloud, you who have not travailed" (Isaiah 54:1). The Church preserves faith within its deepest essence, professing the triune nature of the One Godhead, revering equally the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, glorifying them in their singular majesty while recognizing the distinctiveness of each Person. With this affirmation of faith, let your devotion flourish!

The woman offers the finest flour, representing the hidden aspect of spiritual sustenance, akin to the grain that must fall to the ground to produce fruit. This is why Mary was privileged to witness the mystery of the Lord's Resurrection first and quickly shared the news of divine salvation, not with all, but only with Peter and John. The righteous man swiftly sought the flock, taking the calf, and with fervent zeal, distinct from sluggishness, received the mystery of the Lord's Passion. He entrusted the calf to a youthful figure, innocent and untainted, who embodies purity and cannot deceive. Concerning such a one, the Lord Jesus declares, "Unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the Kingdom of Heaven" (Matthew 18:3). To this youth and others like him, King David also offers exhortation to contribute to divine glorification, saying, "Praise the Lord, O you youths" (Psalm 112:1).