Daily Readings - Sat Aug 21 2021
Ruth
1Now Naomi had a relative on her husband's side, from the clan of Elimelech, a man of standing, whose name was Boaz.2And Ruth the Moabitess said to Naomi, "Let me go to the fields and pick up the leftover grain behind anyone in whose eyes I find favor." Naomi said to her, "Go ahead, my daughter."3So she went out and began to glean in the fields behind the harvesters. As it turned out, she found herself working in a field belonging to Boaz, who was from the clan of Elimelech.8So Boaz said to Ruth, "My daughter, listen to me. Don't go and glean in another field and don't go away from here. Stay here with my servant girls.9Watch the field where the men are harvesting, and follow along after the girls. I have told the men not to touch you. And whenever you are thirsty, go and get a drink from the water jars the men have filled."10At this, she bowed down with her face to the ground. She exclaimed, "Why have I found such favor in your eyes that you notice me-a foreigner?"11Boaz replied, "I've been told all about what you have done for your mother-in-law since the death of your husband-how you left your father and mother and your homeland and came to live with a people you did not know before.
13So Boaz took Ruth and she became his wife. Then he went to her, and the LORD enabled her to conceive, and she gave birth to a son.14The women said to Naomi: "Praise be to the LORD, who this day has not left you without a kinsman-redeemer. May he become famous throughout Israel!15He will renew your life and sustain you in your old age. For your daughter-in-law, who loves you and who is better to you than seven sons, has given him birth."16Then Naomi took the child, laid him in her lap and cared for him.17The women living there said, "Naomi has a son." And they named him Obed. He was the father of Jesse, the father of David.
Matthew
1Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples:2"The teachers of the law and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat.3So you must obey them and do everything they tell you. But do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach.4They tie up heavy loads and put them on men's shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to lift a finger to move them.5"Everything they do is done for men to see: They make their phylacteries wide and the tassels on their garments long;6they love the place of honor at banquets and the most important seats in the synagogues;7they love to be greeted in the marketplaces and to have men call them 'Rabbi.'8"But you are not to be called 'Rabbi,' for you have only one Master and you are all brothers.9And do not call anyone on earth 'father,' for you have one Father, and he is in heaven.10Nor are you to be called 'teacher,' for you have one Teacher, the Christ.11The greatest among you will be your servant.12For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter two distinct narratives that invite us to reflect on humility, faith, and true leadership. The story of Ruth, a Moabite woman, exemplifies loyalty and humility. Despite her difficult circumstances, Ruth dedicates herself to her mother-in-law Naomi, working diligently in Boaz's field. Her actions demonstrate a deep commitment to her family and community, ultimately leading to her integration into the family of Israel and becoming an ancestor of King David. This narrative underscores the importance of perseverance and trust in God's providence.
In contrast, the Gospel reading from Matthew presents Jesus critiquing the scribes and Pharisees for their hypocrisy. Jesus emphasizes the need to follow teachings but not the hollow actions of those who seek recognition rather than serving others. This passage calls us to examine our own actions and intentions, urging us to embody humility and genuine faith rather than seeking external validation.
These readings challenge us to live out our faith authentically, embracing humility and service. Like Ruth, we are called to act with integrity and compassion, trusting in God's plan. Jesus reminds us that true leadership is about serving others, not seeking praise. Let us strive to cultivate these virtues in our daily lives, allowing our actions to reflect our faith and commitment to serving one another.