Saturday 26 August 2017
Ruth 2:1-3, 8-11; 4:13-17. Psalm 127(128):1-5. Matthew 23:1-12.
See how the Lord blesses those who fear him — Psalm 127(128):1-5.
‘How have I so earned your favour?’
Ruth leaves her homeland and gives herself in service to Naomi. She does not expect to be favoured for her actions, yet her self-giving wins her the admiration of Boaz. Ruth bears a son to renew the family lineage. By today’s standards, Ruth does not seem such a strong and courageous woman. She does not seek fame and success and is not righteously angry. Every step she takes seems to involve a loss of self and autonomy. Yet her strength lies in this very act of selflessness, when her grief and loss were most acute.
To live as Ruth lived, in generous service each and every day, appears overwhelming and potentially unrewarding. Yet, as Ruth experienced, humility and service are possible if we act with love, an unselfish love that is greater than our own desires and needs, a love in the spirit of God’s unending love.
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