Repercussions of Sarah Driving Out Hagar
Pentecost 4; Genesis 21:8-21
Do all the world’s wars
come down to this:
those who believe they are entitled
to more for their children
because of supposed superiority
of lineage, race, religion or nation,
but whose actions are far from superior:
enslaving, dis-respecting, mis-treating others,
causing cultural loss, exile, wounds and death.
Eventually the descendants of those
forced out into an inimical wasteland,
traumatized by suffering and losses,
become expert in the weapons of war
and retaliate in accumulated grief and anger.
And so it goes on, over and over.
Can any lasting peace be found?
Only by surrendering entitlement,
laying down abusive powers,
repenting of damage done,
restoring respect and resources,
listening to the history of pain,
and accepting that we are all equal,
all beloved children of God.
Barbara Messner 18/06/2026
Barb, poet priest 