Daily Readings - Fri Aug 22 2025
Ruth
1In the days of one of the judges, when the judges ruled, there was a famine in the land. And a man from Bethlehem in Judah departed to sojourn in the region of the Moabites with his wife and two children2He called himself Elimelech, and his wife Naomi, and his two sons, the one Mahlon, and the other Chilion, Ephrathites from Bethlehem in Judah. And entering into the region of the Moabites, they stayed there3And Elimelech the husband of Naomi died; and she remained with her sons4They took wives from among the Moabites, of whom one was called Orpah, and the other Ruth. And they lived there ten years5And they both died, namely Mahlon and Chilion, and the woman was left alone, bereaved of her two children and her husband6And she arose so that she might journey to her native land, with both her daughters-in-law, from the region of the Moabites. For she had heard that the Lord had provided for his people and had given them food14In response, they lifted up their voice and began to weep again. Orpah kissed her mother-in-law, and then turned back. Ruth clung to her mother-in-law15Naomi said to her, "See, your kinswoman returns to her people, and to her gods. Hurry after her.16She answered, "Do not be against me, as if I would abandon you and go away; for wherever you will go, I will go, and where you will stay, I also will stay with you. Your people are my people, and your God is my God22Therefore, Naomi went with Ruth, the Moabite, her daughter-in-law, from the land of her sojourn, and returned to Bethlehem, at the time of the first reaping of the barley
Matthew
34But the Pharisees, hearing that he had caused the Sadducees to be silent, came together as one35And one of them, a doctor of the law, questioned him, to test him36"Teacher, which is the great commandment in the law?37Jesus said to him: " ‘You shall love the Lord your God from all your heart, and with all your soul and with all your mind.38This is the greatest and first commandment39But the second is similar to it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.40On these two commandments the entire law depends, and also the prophets.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter two profound narratives that guide us in understanding the essence of love and fidelity. The first reading from Ruth tells the story of Naomi and her daughters-in-law, Ruth and Orpah, set against the backdrop of famine and loss. Naomi, having lost her husband and sons, faces the daunting prospect of returning to Bethlehem alone. Yet, Ruth's unwavering loyalty shines through as she chooses to accompany Naomi, embodying a love that transcends cultural and familial bonds. This act of devotion reflects a deep trust in God's providence, even amidst adversity.
The Gospel from Matthew shifts our focus to Jesus' teachings on the greatest commandments. When asked, Jesus emphasizes the importance of loving God with all our being and, equally, loving our neighbor as ourselves. This dual commandment is not merely a suggestion but the foundation of the entire law and prophets. Jesus' words challenge us to recognize that our love for God is inseparable from our love for others.
Ruth's story beautifully illustrates Jesus' teaching. Her decision to stay with Naomi, despite the challenges, exemplifies what it means to love one's neighbor. In a time of instability, Ruth's fidelity and compassion towards Naomi demonstrate the practical application of loving one's neighbor. This teaches us that true love for God is manifested through our actions towards others, regardless of their background or circumstances.
In our daily lives, we are called to reflect on how we embody these commandments. Do we show love and fidelity to those around us, especially in difficult times? Let us seek opportunities to demonstrate love and compassion, just as Ruth did. The moral lesson here is clear: our love for God is not abstract but is lived out in our relationships with others. As we navigate our own challenges, may we draw inspiration from Ruth and Naomi, trusting in God's providence and striving to love both God and neighbor with all our hearts.