Daily Readings - Fri Aug 25 2017
First Reading - Ruth 1.1-2ab, 3-6, 14b-16, 22
Ruth
Now it came to pass in the days when the judges ruled, that there was a famine in the land. And a certain man of Bethlehemjudah went to sojourn in the country of Moab, he, and his wife, and his two sons.And the name of the man was Elimelech, and the name of his wife Naomi, and the name of his two sons Mahlon and Chilion, Ephrathites of Bethlehemjudah. And they came into the country of Moab, and continued there.And Elimelech Naomi's husband died; and she was left, and her two sons.And they took them wives of the women of Moab; the name of the one was Orpah, and the name of the other Ruth: and they dwelled there about ten years.And Mahlon and Chilion died also both of them; and the woman was left of her two sons and her husband.Then she arose with her daughters in law, that she might return from the country of Moab: for she had heard in the country of Moab how that the LORD had visited his people in giving them bread.And they lifted up their voice, and wept again: and Orpah kissed her mother in law; but Ruth clave unto her.And she said, Behold, thy sister in law is gone back unto her people, and unto her gods: return thou after thy sister in law.And Ruth said, Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God:So Naomi returned, and Ruth the Moabitess, her daughter in law, with her, which returned out of the country of Moab: and they came to Bethlehem in the beginning of barley harvest.
Gospel - Matthew 22.34-40
Matthew
But when the Pharisees had heard that he had put the Sadducees to silence, they were gathered together.Then one of them, which was a lawyer, asked him a question, tempting him, and saying,Master, which is the great commandment in the law?Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.This is the first and great commandment.And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.
Sermon
The first reading from the Book of Ruth tells the story of Naomi, a woman who faces immense suffering and loss. She loses her husband and her two sons, leaving her alone and bereaved. Yet, in the midst of her grief, she shows remarkable strength and faith. When she decides to return to her homeland of Bethlehem, her daughters-in-law, Orpah and Ruth, initially accompany her. Orpah eventually returns to her own people, but Ruth clings to Naomi, declaring her unwavering loyalty and commitment to Naomi’s people and God. This passage highlights the power of fidelity and trust in the face of adversity.
The Gospel reading from Matthew presents Jesus being tested by the Pharisees, who ask him to identify the greatest commandment in the law. Jesus responds by citing two commandments: to love God with all your heart, soul, and mind, and to love your neighbor as yourself. He emphasizes that the entire law and the prophets depend on these two commandments. This teaching underscores the central importance of love—both for God and for others—as the foundation of Christian life.
The readings today remind us that love and fidelity are at the heart of living a life pleasing to God. In the story of Ruth, we see an example of selfless love and loyalty, as Ruth chooses to remain with Naomi despite the difficulties she will face. Similarly, Jesus teaches us that love for God and neighbor is the essence of the Christian life. These readings call us to reflect on how we live out this love in our daily lives. Do we remain faithful even when circumstances are challenging? Do we show love and compassion to those around us, especially those in need? Let us strive to follow the example of Ruth and the teachings of Jesus, allowing love to guide our actions and decisions.