So, she (Sarah) demanded of Abraham, “Drive out that slave and her son!  No son of that slave is going to share the inheritance with my son Isaac!”

Why is Sarah so worried that Isaac will lose his inheritance?  This is not the first time she has doubted God.  Sarah did not trust God would give her a son in her old age so she laughed when she heard, I will surely return to you about this time next year, and Sarah will then have a son (Gn 18:10).  Despite her lack of faith Sarah had a son at the set time that God had stated (Gn 21:2).

Watching Isaac and Ishmael playing, what emotions did Sarah experience?  Jealously that Ishmael is Abraham’s firstborn, even though he is the son of a slave?  Fear that Isaac will be pushed aside and receive a smaller inheritance?  Anger?  Something else?  Did her thoughts, even briefly, consider the possible outcome of banishing Hagar and Ishmael into the wilderness, or did she hope they would die?  Did Sarah stop to consider what God might want for Hagar and Ishmael?  

When God saw Ishmael in his mother’s womb, what great plans did He have in mind for the boy?  Did God imagine Isaac and Ishmael growing up together, building great nations that worshiped God and cared for their citizens?  

Although God might not have wanted Hagar banished, He does not violate Sarah’s free will.  He allows her to follow her desires, even if motivated by less-than-positive emotions and a lack of trust.  God intercedes on her behalf instructing Abraham to heed the demands of Sarah (Gn 21:12) and then consoles Abraham by promising, I will make a great nation of him also, since he too is your offspring (Gn 21:13).

This reading highlights some of the attributes of God.  God is the creator of infinite possibilities.  Salvation history cannot be thwarted by my actions or failure to act because God will prevail despite humanity.  Everyone is connected and has a place in God’s plan, even the children of enslaved people or “less desirable” members of society.  God does not make promises contingent upon faith.  Our failure to trust God does not cause God to turn away from His promises  And, God does respond to the cries of the poor, wandering without hope in the wilderness. 

Finally, as you read this reflection, what else do you notice about God’s fidelity and compassion toward His people – in Sarah’s time and today?