The Word of God – August 20, 2021 Reflection

 

THE WORD OF GOD – AUGUST 20, 2021 REFLECTION

Liturgical Calendar Day: Saint Bernard, Abbot and Doctor of the Church – Memorial

Scripture Text: Ruth 1:1, 3-6, 14b-16, 22, Matt. 22:34-40

“Don’t ask me to leave you, for I will go where you go and stay where you stay. Your people will be my people and your god, my God.” (Ruth 1:16)

According to Women of the Bible (2000) by Ann Spangler and Jean E. Syswerda, the name “Ruth” means “friendship.” She is described as generous, loyal, strong, and serene, and was able to take unusual risks and to actively deal with the consequences.

In this day and age where society encourages many of us in our selfishness, Ruth’s character stands out. Her loyalty was not only to her husband (which is hard on its own), but it turns out to her mother-in-law as well. We know that Ruth was a very generous and loving person because she was willing to give up her own way of life for Naomi’s sake. 

A young woman tells a story from her own life about how she learned from the example of Ruth. At the time in her late twenties, unattached and single, she was seeking direction from God about what to do with the rest of her life. Her heart had just been broken by a man whom she thought she was going to marry.

She joined Ang Lingkod ng Panginoon, a charismatic community for single professionals. Members regularly attended Friday evening prayer meetings at Mary the Queen parish, San Juan City.

One day during a retreat, she sensed the Lord speaking to her, telling her that he would send her a better man, a man after his own heart. But God did not tell her how long it would take for his promise to be fulfilled.

It was a long wait. She spent six restless years serving the Lord in Ang Lingkod ng Panginoon, growing in her relationship with God. She dated several men along the way, but none of them fit God’s description of “a man after his own heart.” Desperate at one point, she remembers asking God angrily, “Why am I bothering to do all this service for you when you have not kept your promise to me?”  

God was teaching her, she remembers, surrender, faith, patience, perseverance, loyalty, generosity, and love. When her husband finally arrived, he was everything the Lord had said he would be—and more. 

Are we willing to risk our life and our future on God’s “promise” to us? Ruth risked her life and future because of her generous love and her loyalty to Naomi.

What is the quality and strength of our faith? God rewards our sacrifice with much, much more than we ever expected.

The woman who is generous will prosper; she who refreshes others will herself be refreshed.—Proverbs 11:25, paraphrased.

The above reflection is published with the permission of the author, who wishes to remain anonymous.