In the first reading what initially struck me was how quiet and unobtrusive Abram is. Yet he is very much present and an important figure. He is the primary source of authority and power in this family trio. He steps aside and allows Sarai to make the decision to offer Hagar, her Egyptian maidservant, to Abram as his concubine. We can only imagine the tension, jealousy, disharmony, and abuse that takes place as a result of Hagar’s pregnancy. However, all of this transpires within the laws of the time.
When Hagar can no longer endure Sarai’s abuse, she runs away and goes to the “spring.” It is there that the messenger of God comes to Hagar. In his gentle comfort the messenger encourages Hagar to return, not to run away. The verse, not included in today’s reading (#13), recounts Hagar’s response to the messenger who has befriended her and assured her that her future is secure. Hagar knows that she has encountered God and will live. To the Lord who spoke to her she gave a name, saying, “You are the God of Vision;” she meant, “Have I really seen God and remain alive after my vision?”
In the second reading we hear Jesus speaking about true discipleship. He is cautioning his followers against living according to the letter of the law and missing the spirit of the law. He is pointing out the distinction of acting out of power, even the power of the Spirit, without listening to the voice of God. Jesus was speaking with the authority of God.
The underlying theme is one of personal relationship. Jesus, God, is continually and very gently inviting me into a deeper and more personal relationship. What I hear is that this type of relationship is not possible if I live only by the letter of the law. This relationship is about hearing the voice of God and responding to it. It is about living out of the authority of the Spirit. It is about knowing God and allowing God to know me.
In a quiet place, recall an experience of God. In this particular experience, in the imagination of my heart who was God for me – grandfather God, gardener God, artist God, mother God, father God, creator God, worker God, who?
What was the experience like?
What did we say to each other? What did I share with God about who I am? What did God share with me about who God is?
Savor the experience.
Taste and see the goodness of the Lord.
Joan Blandin Howard
After working and teaching at Creighton for many years, I am officially retired, but hardly so. Having 5 adult children, in-laws, and 11 grandchildren I keep pretty busy! My husband and I spend hours in our garden planting, pruning, dead-heading and of course weeding and mowing! We spend even more time sitting in our garden, delighting in its beauty. The beauty overwhelms me and invities me into a space of en-Joy-ment and gratitude to the Creator and Artist of all. I have much for which to be grateful. I also like to travel, read, write and make art. My ministry of spiritual direction and silent retreats continues.
I count my blessings. You among them.
Initially I thought I was writing for myself. I use the readings as a source of personal prayer. I thoroughly enjoy the time I spend in prayer, study and preparation. The writing seems to be a natural end product. The wonderful e-mails I receive tell me that I am not writing just for me and they reconfirm my faith in the presence of the Lord, who speaks all languages, permeates untold experiences, and surfaces in the most ordinary of daily delights and disturbing distractions. That the Lord would speak through me is a gift I had not anticipated.
I thank you, the reader and fellow pilgrim, for joining us on our journey. God bless us.
