Daily Readings - Sat Aug 26 2023

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.

Chapter 4

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

Chapter 23

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 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.