Daily Readings - Sat Aug 21 2021
Ruth
1Now Naomi had a relative of her husband's, a worthy man of the clan of Elimelech, whose name was Boaz.2And Ruth the Moabite said to Naomi, "Let me go to the field and glean among the ears of grain after him in whose sight I shall find favor." And she said to her, "Go, my daughter."3So she set out and went and gleaned in the field after the reapers, and she happened to come to the part of the field belonging to Boaz, who was of the clan of Elimelech.8Then Boaz said to Ruth, "Now, listen, my daughter, do not go to glean in another field or leave this one, but keep close to my young women.9Let your eyes be on the field that they are reaping, and go after them. Have I not charged the young men not to touch you? And when you are thirsty, go to the vessels and drink what the young men have drawn."10Then she fell on her face, bowing to the ground, and said to him, "Why have I found favor in your eyes, that you should take notice of me, since I am a foreigner?"11But Boaz answered her, "All that you have done for your mother-in-law since the death of your husband has been fully told to me, and how you left your father and mother and your native land and came to a people that you did not know before.
13So Boaz took Ruth, and she became his wife. And he went in to her, and the LORD gave her conception, and she bore a son.14Then the women said to Naomi, "Blessed be the LORD, who has not left you this day without a redeemer, and may his name be renowned in Israel!15He shall be to you a restorer of life and a nourisher of your old age, for your daughter-in-law who loves you, who is more to you than seven sons, has given birth to him."16Then Naomi took the child and laid him on her lap and became his nurse.17And the women of the neighborhood gave him a name, saying, "A son has been born to Naomi." They named him Obed. He was the father of Jesse, the father of David.
Matthew
1Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples,2"The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses' seat,3so practice and observe whatever they tell you--but not what they do. For they preach, but do not practice.4They tie up heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on people's shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to move them with their finger.5They do all their deeds to be seen by others. For they make their phylacteries broad and their fringes long,6and they love the place of honor at feasts and the best seats in the synagogues7and greetings in the marketplaces and being called rabbi by others.8But you are not to be called rabbi, for you have one teacher, and you are all brothers.9And call no man your father on earth, for you have one Father, who is in heaven.10Neither be called instructors, for you have one instructor, the Christ.11The greatest among you shall be your servant.12Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter two distinct narratives that invite us to reflect on humility, faith, and true leadership. The story of Ruth, a Moabite woman, exemplifies loyalty and humility. Despite her difficult circumstances, Ruth dedicates herself to her mother-in-law Naomi, working diligently in Boaz's field. Her actions demonstrate a deep commitment to her family and community, ultimately leading to her integration into the family of Israel and becoming an ancestor of King David. This narrative underscores the importance of perseverance and trust in God's providence.
In contrast, the Gospel reading from Matthew presents Jesus critiquing the scribes and Pharisees for their hypocrisy. Jesus emphasizes the need to follow teachings but not the hollow actions of those who seek recognition rather than serving others. This passage calls us to examine our own actions and intentions, urging us to embody humility and genuine faith rather than seeking external validation.
These readings challenge us to live out our faith authentically, embracing humility and service. Like Ruth, we are called to act with integrity and compassion, trusting in God's plan. Jesus reminds us that true leadership is about serving others, not seeking praise. Let us strive to cultivate these virtues in our daily lives, allowing our actions to reflect our faith and commitment to serving one another.