Daily Readings - Fri Aug 25 2023
Ruth
1Now 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.2And 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.3And Elimelech Naomi's husband died; and she was left, and her two sons.4And 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.5And Mahlon and Chilion died also both of them; and the woman was left of her two sons and her husband.6Then 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.14And they lifted up their voice, and wept again: and Orpah kissed her mother in law; but Ruth clave unto her.15And she said, Behold, thy sister in law is gone back unto her people, and unto her gods: return thou after thy sister in law.16And 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:22So 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.
Matthew
34But when the Pharisees had heard that he had put the Sadducees to silence, they were gathered together.35Then one of them, which was a lawyer, asked him a question, tempting him, and saying,36Master, which is the great commandment in the law?37Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.38This is the first and great commandment.39And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.40On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter powerful stories that guide us in understanding the essence of love and faith. The Book of Ruth narrates the journey of Naomi and her daughters-in-law, highlighting Ruth's unwavering loyalty. Despite the loss of her husband and the hardships faced, Ruth chooses to remain with Naomi, embodying selfless love and trust in God's providence. This story, set against the backdrop of famine and loss, illustrates how faith can lead us to acts of love and commitment even in adversity.
The Gospel of Matthew shifts our focus to Jesus' teachings on the greatest commandments. When asked, Jesus emphasizes loving God with all our heart, soul, and mind, and loving our neighbor as ourselves. This teaching is not just a moral code but a way of life that reflects the core of Christian faith. Jesus' response to the Pharisees underscores that these commandments are the foundation of all other laws and prophetic teachings.
Both readings intertwine to show that love is the cornerstone of our faith. Ruth's loyalty mirrors the selfless love Jesus teaches, demonstrating that true faith is expressed through our actions and relationships. In our daily lives, we are called to love God and our neighbors with the same dedication Ruth showed Naomi. This means prioritizing love and trust, even in challenging times, and recognizing that our actions towards others reflect our commitment to God. Let us strive to embody this love, allowing it to guide our interactions and decisions, fulfilling the essence of the law as taught by Jesus.