Daily Readings - Sat Aug 26 2017

First Reading - Ruth 2.1-3, 8-11; 4.13-17

¹But there was a man related to Elimelech, a powerful man, and very wealthy, named Boaz.²And Ruth, the Moabite, said to her mother-in-law, "If you order, I will go into the field and gather the ears of grain which escape the reaping hand, wherever I will find favor with the father of a family, who will be compassionate to me." She answered her, "Go, my daughter."³And so she went and gathered the ears of grain after the completion of the reaping. But it happened that this field was owned by Boaz, who was of the kindred of Elimelech⁸And Boaz said to Ruth, "Listen to me, daughter. Do not go to gather in any other field, nor depart from this place, but join with my young women⁹and follow where they reap. For I have given orders to my young men, so that no one is to harass you. And so, whenever you are thirsty, go to the vessels, and drink from the waters that the young men also drink.¹⁰She, falling on her face and paying homage on the ground, said to him: "How did this happen to me, that I should find favor before your eyes, and that you would condescend to accept me, a foreign woman?¹¹He answered her, "Everything has been reported to me, what things you have done for your mother-in-law after the death of your husband, and how you left your parents, and the land in which you were born, and came to a people you did not know before

Chapter 4

¹³And so Boaz took Ruth, and received her as his wife, and he went in to her, and the Lord granted to her to conceive and bear a son¹⁴And the women said to Naomi, "Blessed be the Lord, who has not permitted your family to be without a successor, and may his name be called upon in Israel¹⁵And now you may have someone to comfort your soul and to care for you in old age, for he is born of your daughter-in-law, who loves you, and this is much better for you, than if you had seven sons.¹⁶And taking up the boy, Naomi placed him on her bosom, and she took on the duties of carrying him and nursing him¹⁷And the women of the near future were congratulating her and saying, "There was a son born to Naomi. They called his name Obed. Here is the father of Jesse, the father of David.

Gospel - Matthew 23.1-12

Matthew

Chapter 23

¹Then Jesus spoke to the crowds, and to his disciples²saying: "The scribes and the Pharisees have sat down in the chair of Moses³Therefore, all things whatsoever that they shall say to you, observe and do. Yet truly, do not choose to act according to their works. For they say, but they do not do⁴For they bind up heavy and unbearable burdens, and they impose them on men’s shoulders. But they are not willing to move them with even a finger of their own⁵Truly, they do all their works so that they may be seen by men. For they enlarge their phylacteries and glorify their hems⁶And they love the first places at feasts, and the first chairs in the synagogues⁷and greetings in the marketplace, and to be called Master by men⁸But you must not be called Master. For One is your Master, and you are all brothers⁹And do not choose to call anyone on earth your father. For One is your Father, who is in heaven¹⁰Neither should you be called teachers. For One is your Teacher, the Christ¹¹Whoever is greater among you shall be your minister¹²But whoever has exalted himself, shall be humbled. And whoever has humbled himself, shall be exalted

Sermon

The readings today present us with two distinct yet interconnected narratives, each offering profound insights into the nature of humility, faith, and authenticity. In the first reading from the Book of Ruth, we encounter the story of Ruth, a Moabite widow whose loyalty and humility guide her actions. Despite her difficult circumstances, Ruth gathers grain in Boaz's field, not out of self-interest, but out of love and dedication to her mother-in-law, Naomi. Her humility and faithfulness are rewarded as Boaz, recognizing her virtue, takes her as his wife. Their union blesses Naomi with a grandson, Obed, who becomes an ancestor of King David, highlighting God's providence and the rewards of humble service. In the Gospel reading from Matthew, Jesus addresses the crowds and his disciples, critiquing the hypocrisy of the Pharisees. He condemns their love for power, status, and outward displays of piety, which contrast sharply with their lack of genuine faith and compassion. Jesus emphasizes the importance of living out one's faith authentically, warning against the dangers of seeking recognition and authority. He calls his followers to embrace humility, reminding them that true greatness lies in serving others, not in seeking titles or praise. These readings invite us to reflect on the importance of humility and authenticity in our daily lives. Like Ruth, we are called to serve others with selflessness and faith, trusting in God's providence. We must avoid the hypocrisy of the Pharisees, ensuring that our actions align with our beliefs and that we do not seek glory for ourselves. Instead, we should strive to live with humility, recognizing that our true identity and worth come from our relationship with God. Let us embrace the virtues of Ruth and heed Jesus' teachings, living lives marked by genuine faith, compassion, and service to others.