Daily Readings - Sat Aug 26 2023

¹But there was a man related to Elimelech, a powerful man, and very wealthy, named Boaz.²And Ruth, the Moabite, said to her mother-in-law, "If you order, I will go into the field and gather the ears of grain which escape the reaping hand, wherever I will find favor with the father of a family, who will be compassionate to me." She answered her, "Go, my daughter."³And so she went and gathered the ears of grain after the completion of the reaping. But it happened that this field was owned by Boaz, who was of the kindred of Elimelech⁸And Boaz said to Ruth, "Listen to me, daughter. Do not go to gather in any other field, nor depart from this place, but join with my young women⁹and follow where they reap. For I have given orders to my young men, so that no one is to harass you. And so, whenever you are thirsty, go to the vessels, and drink from the waters that the young men also drink.¹⁰She, falling on her face and paying homage on the ground, said to him: "How did this happen to me, that I should find favor before your eyes, and that you would condescend to accept me, a foreign woman?¹¹He answered her, "Everything has been reported to me, what things you have done for your mother-in-law after the death of your husband, and how you left your parents, and the land in which you were born, and came to a people you did not know before

Chapter 4

¹³And so Boaz took Ruth, and received her as his wife, and he went in to her, and the Lord granted to her to conceive and bear a son¹⁴And the women said to Naomi, "Blessed be the Lord, who has not permitted your family to be without a successor, and may his name be called upon in Israel¹⁵And now you may have someone to comfort your soul and to care for you in old age, for he is born of your daughter-in-law, who loves you, and this is much better for you, than if you had seven sons.¹⁶And taking up the boy, Naomi placed him on her bosom, and she took on the duties of carrying him and nursing him¹⁷And the women of the near future were congratulating her and saying, "There was a son born to Naomi. They called his name Obed. Here is the father of Jesse, the father of David.

Matthew

Chapter 23

¹Then Jesus spoke to the crowds, and to his disciples²saying: "The scribes and the Pharisees have sat down in the chair of Moses³Therefore, all things whatsoever that they shall say to you, observe and do. Yet truly, do not choose to act according to their works. For they say, but they do not do⁴For they bind up heavy and unbearable burdens, and they impose them on men’s shoulders. But they are not willing to move them with even a finger of their own⁵Truly, they do all their works so that they may be seen by men. For they enlarge their phylacteries and glorify their hems⁶And they love the first places at feasts, and the first chairs in the synagogues⁷and greetings in the marketplace, and to be called Master by men⁸But you must not be called Master. For One is your Master, and you are all brothers⁹And do not choose to call anyone on earth your father. For One is your Father, who is in heaven¹⁰Neither should you be called teachers. For One is your Teacher, the Christ¹¹Whoever is greater among you shall be your minister¹²But whoever has exalted himself, shall be humbled. And whoever has humbled himself, shall be exalted

Sermon

In today’s readings, we encounter two powerful stories that invite us to reflect on humility, faith, and the transformative power of God’s grace. The first reading from the Book of Ruth tells the story of a foreign woman, Ruth, who through her fidelity, kindness, and trust in God, finds acceptance and even becomes part of the lineage of David. Ruth’s humility and selflessness shine through as she works tirelessly for her mother-in-law Naomi, gleaning in the fields of Boaz, a distant relative. Boaz, in turn, shows compassion and generosity, recognizing Ruth’s virtue and rewarding her faithfulness. This story reminds us that God often works through the marginalized and the humble, bringing life and hope to those who trust in Him. The Gospel reading from Matthew presents a stark contrast as Jesus critiques the hypocrisy of the scribes and Pharisees. He condemns their outward displays of piety, such as enlarging their phylacteries and seeking praise in public places, while their hearts remain far from God. Jesus emphasizes that true greatness is not found in titles or recognition but in humility and service. He calls His disciples to a different way of life—one where leadership is not about power but about serving others. This teaching challenges us to examine our own hearts and actions, ensuring that our faith is not merely external but deeply rooted in love and humility. Both readings call us to live with authenticity and humility. Like Ruth, we are invited to trust in God’s providence and to serve others without seeking recognition. Like the disciples, we are reminded that true leadership and holiness are found in selflessness and a willingness to serve. In our daily lives, let us strive to embody this humility. May we, like Ruth, find favor in God’s eyes through our fidelity and kindness, and may we, like Jesus’ disciples, lead with hearts of service and love.