Daily Readings - Sat Aug 26 2023
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 powerful stories that invite us to reflect on humility, faith, and the transformative power of God’s grace. The first reading from the Book of Ruth tells the story of a foreign woman, Ruth, who through her fidelity, kindness, and trust in God, finds acceptance and even becomes part of the lineage of David. Ruth’s humility and selflessness shine through as she works tirelessly for her mother-in-law Naomi, gleaning in the fields of Boaz, a distant relative. Boaz, in turn, shows compassion and generosity, recognizing Ruth’s virtue and rewarding her faithfulness. This story reminds us that God often works through the marginalized and the humble, bringing life and hope to those who trust in Him.
The Gospel reading from Matthew presents a stark contrast as Jesus critiques the hypocrisy of the scribes and Pharisees. He condemns their outward displays of piety, such as enlarging their phylacteries and seeking praise in public places, while their hearts remain far from God. Jesus emphasizes that true greatness is not found in titles or recognition but in humility and service. He calls His disciples to a different way of life—one where leadership is not about power but about serving others. This teaching challenges us to examine our own hearts and actions, ensuring that our faith is not merely external but deeply rooted in love and humility.
Both readings call us to live with authenticity and humility. Like Ruth, we are invited to trust in God’s providence and to serve others without seeking recognition. Like the disciples, we are reminded that true leadership and holiness are found in selflessness and a willingness to serve. In our daily lives, let us strive to embody this humility. May we, like Ruth, find favor in God’s eyes through our fidelity and kindness, and may we, like Jesus’ disciples, lead with hearts of service and love.