Daily Readings - Fri Aug 22 2025
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 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.