Daily Readings - Sat Aug 23 2025

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

The readings today invite us to reflect on humility, faith, and the transformative power of God’s grace. In the first reading from the Book of Ruth, we see the story of a foreigner, Ruth, who, through her humility and trust in God, becomes part of the family of Israel and even the lineage of King David. Ruth’s journey is one of faith and perseverance, as she leaves behind her own people and clings to her mother-in-law Naomi, trusting in the God of Israel. Her actions demonstrate that true faith is not about where we come from but about how we respond to God’s providence in our lives. Boaz, in turn, shows compassion and kindness to Ruth, reflecting the heart of God who lifts up the lowly and includes those who might seem outsiders. In the Gospel, Jesus critiques the scribes and Pharisees for their hypocrisy and love of status. He calls his disciples to a different way of life, one marked by humility and service rather than pride and self-promotion. Jesus emphasizes that true greatness is not about titles or recognition but about living as brothers and sisters, with God as our one true Father and Teacher. This teaching challenges us to examine our own hearts and actions, to let go of the desire for power and prestige, and instead to follow the example of Christ, who came not to be served but to serve. Both readings remind us that our relationship with God is not about outward appearances or social standing but about the humility and love we show in our daily lives. Like Ruth, we are called to trust in God’s plan and to embrace our place in His family, even when it feels unfamiliar or challenging. Like Jesus, we are called to live with humility, recognizing that we are all equal before God. May we strive to live in such a way that our actions reflect the love and mercy of God, and may we always remember that true greatness lies in serving others and glorifying Him.