“For it is written that Abraham had two sons, one by a slave and one by a free woman. But the son of the slave was born according to the flesh, the son of the free woman through promise. Now this is an allegory: these women are two covenants. One is from Mount Sinai, bearing children for slavery; she is Hagar. Now Hagar is Mount Sinai in Arabia; she corresponds to the present Jerusalem, for she is in slavery with her children. But the Jerusalem above is free, and she is our mother. For it is written, ‘Rejoice, O barren one who does not bear; break forth and shout, you who are not in travail; for the children of the desolate one are many more than the children of her that is married.'” — Galatians 4:22-27, Revised Standard Version

From the Lectionary reading today, St. Paul is using the story of Abraham’s two sons—one from a slave woman, Hagar, and one from a free woman, Sarah—to explain a deeper spiritual truth. He tells us that these two women represent two different covenants, or ways of relating to God. Hagar, the slave woman, stands for the covenant made at Mount Sinai, which is based on the Law. Sarah, the free woman, represents the covenant of God’s promise, which is based on faith and grace.

The son of Hagar, Ishmael, was born in the ordinary way, according to human effort. This means that his birth was a result of people trying to fulfil God’s promise by their own actions, without fully trusting in God’s timing. In contrast, Isaac, the son of Sarah, was born as a result of God’s promise and power. His birth took place because the Lord intervened, even though it seemed impossible due to Sarah’s old age and barrenness. St. Paul uses this story to show the difference between relying on human efforts and trusting in God’s grace.

Hagar’s children, who are born according to the flesh, represent those who live under the law and are in spiritual slavery because of human limitations. This doesn’t mean that the Law is bad, but rather that the Law by itself cannot save us. We can learn a great deal from the Law. Learning and obeying God’s ways always bring blessings. “With my whole heart have I diligently sought thee: cast me not away from thy commandments.” (Ps. 118:10 /119:10, Brenton) The Law exposes our sins, but it cannot give us the power to overcome them completely. Sarah’s children, on the other hand, represent those who live by faith in God’s promise. They are free because they rely on God’s grace, not on their own ability to follow the Law perfectly.

When Apostle says that “the Jerusalem above is free, and she is our mother,” he is saying that, as Christians, we are not certain precepts and pharisaical traditions that are impossible to keep in a perfect manner. Instead, we are part of the Church, the spiritual Jerusalem, which is free because it is built on the grace and promise of God. This freedom doesn’t mean we can do whatever we want. Instead, it means we are free to live for our Lord, no longer burdened by the weight of trying to earn our salvation through our own efforts.

St. Paul also quotes from the prophet Isaiah to show that God’s promises often come to pass in unexpected ways. For example, Sarah, who was barren and couldn’t have children, ends up having more descendants than Hagar. This shows us that God can bring life and blessings even when it seems impossible by human standards. For us, this is a message of hope. Even when our situation seems barren or hopeless, God can still bring about great things through His grace and power.

In our reading of the Epistle, we learn that we are children of the promise. We do not have to live in fear or try to earn our place with God through endless rules and rituals. Instead, we can trust in God’s grace and live in the freedom that Christ has given us. This freedom allows us to grow closer to God, to live a life led by the Holy Spirit, and to experience the fullness of life that comes from being a part of God’s family. This is a central belief in the Orthodox Church: salvation is a gift from God, and our role is to accept that gift with faith, allowing His grace to transform us.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. Now and forever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.

— Andrew
Sept. 23, 2024
The Conception of St. John the Baptist