Wednesday, October 29, 2008 – Ruth – Surprise
Fidelity, solidarity, piety, generosity: these are the lessons taught in this universal story of people who are human, simple and intimate. If you ever have a free hour, read this story with a commentary by your side. You will find it is time well spent.
For some, this story is a song of divine providence. God becomes manifest in the relationship which Ruth and Naomi share. God is always present. God looks for intimacy.
For others this is a story of consolation written to a people in exile. God redeems, rescues and ransoms those he loves. God heals and cures. God loves fidelity.
Still others read this story to find a message of openness and universality, similar to the theological themes in the Book of Jonas, written as a counterpoint to those who argue for exclusivity, self-protection and rigorous reform. God is always teaching. God is always acting. God is generous.
Finally, this book gives context to the Moabite lineage of David and Jesus. Ruth, through her openness to conversion, becomes a link in the chain which serves as the vehicle for the Messiah’s entrance into the world. Ruth is the mother of Obed, who is the father of Jesse, the father of David. (Matthew 1:5) God looks for piety. God stands in solidarity. God loves to surprise.
(Thoughts from the introduction to “Ruth” from page 582 of BIBLIA DE AMÉRICA.)
The human story is one which is constantly unfolding. In turn, each of our lives continually unfolds to reveal God’s promise to us and to the world. We need not fear what this unfolding will reveal about ourselves when we live our life in and through God . . . in our willingness to be open, we receive healing and redemption . . . just as Ruth does.
As our life unfolds, we can expect to be surprised by God as we receive, quite unexpectedly, gifts of joy.
Let us be open to surprise in our lives!
Let us rejoice and be glad!
Alleluia!
LA BIBLIA DE LA AMÉRICA. 8th. Madrid: La Casa de la Biblia, 1994. Print.
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