Wednesday of the Thirteenth Week in Ordinary Time
(Genesis 21:5.8-20a; Matthew 8:28-34)
Today’s first reading displays positive and negative
qualities of both Abraham and Sarah. Abraham
made a huge mistake in having relations with Hagar, his wife’s slave. However, he has compassion on her and his son
when Sarah wants them to be sent away.
He seeks help from God who gives him assurance that they will prosper.
Sarah knows that a home with two families is not a healthy
environment. But she acts heartlessly as
she demands Abraham to “drive out that slave and her son.” Fortunately for Hagar and Ismael the Lord comes
to their aid when he hears their cries.
The story provides rich spiritual lessons. All of us are a mix of positive and negative
qualities. We must heed the Lord so that
our vices do not dominate our actions. It
also warns us about doing evil to achieve good.
Such action makes matters worse. Finally,
it reminds us to call upon the Lord in prayer when we feel desperate. He is waiting to help us.
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