Daily Readings - Fri Aug 22 2025
Ruth
1In the days when the judges ruled there was a famine in the land, and a man of Bethlehem in Judah went to sojourn in the country of Moab, he and his wife and his two sons.2The name of the man was Elimelech and the name of his wife Naomi, and the names of his two sons were Mahlon and Chilion. They were Ephrathites from Bethlehem in Judah. They went into the country of Moab and remained there.3But Elimelech, the husband of Naomi, died, and she was left with her two sons.4These took Moabite wives; the name of the one was Orpah and the name of the other Ruth. They lived there about ten years,5and both Mahlon and Chilion died, so that the woman was left without her two sons and her husband.6Then she arose with her daughters-in-law to return from the country of Moab, for she had heard in the fields of Moab that the LORD had visited his people and given them food.14Then they lifted up their voices and wept again. And Orpah kissed her mother-in-law, but Ruth clung to her.15And she said, "See, your sister-in-law has gone back to her people and to her gods; return after your sister-in-law."16But Ruth said, "Do not urge me to leave you or to return from following you. For where you go I will go, and where you lodge I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God my God.22So Naomi returned, and Ruth the Moabite her daughter-in-law with her, who returned from the country of Moab. And they came to Bethlehem at the beginning of barley harvest.
Matthew
34But when the Pharisees heard that he had silenced the Sadducees, they gathered together.35And one of them, a lawyer, asked him a question to test him.36"Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?"37And he said to him, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.38This is the great and first commandment.39And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.40On these two commandments depend all the Law and 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.