Ruth

In between the book of Judges and 1 and 2 Samuel is the story of Ruth.  It has been called a "delightful" little story, but upon a careful reading, we may find it full of meaning both for its time and in ours.  It is the story of a couple, Naomi (my delight) and Elimelech (my God is king), who leave Bethlehem in Judah during a famine and migrate to the land of the Moabites, former oppressors of the Benjaminites.  Their two sons marry Moabite women, Ruth (she who comforts) and Orpah( she who turns her back).  The men in the family, die and Naomi is forced to return to her home.  She implores her daughters-in law to remain with their people, for there is nothing to bind them to her any longer.  Neither daughter-in-law wants to leave Naomi, but she insists and Orpah goes.  Ruth remains by her side, and her words have become memorialized in weddings ever since. Entreat me not to leave you or to return from following you; for where you go I will go, and where you lodge I will lodge; your people shall be my people, and your God my God; where you die I will die, and there will I be buried.  She continues with an oath,  May the Lord do so to me and more also if even death parts me from you. Ruth 1:16,17.

In the context of its time, the story of Ruth occurs when marriage between Jews and foreign women was discouraged, precisely because the fragile Jewish identity needed to be preserved and protected from pagan influences. It is interesting that for some reason or other, marriage between races, religions, and cultures has only recently become accepted in our own day.  Those who objected often pointed out  problems that would have to be overcome within the families of such unions. Often objections were the result of intolerance of one another. The Book of Ruth serves to illustrate that God intended all humanity to be a part of His divine plan. Like the benevolent father that He is, He guides His children through all manner of life events, unfolding His plan as life goes on.

As the story goes, Ruth and her mother-in-law reach Bethlehem during harvest time.  Ruth goes immediately to work, gleaning after the harvesters.  Her demeanor is humble; her work is meticulous and careful.  She is noticed by Boaz, a relative of Elimelech, her former father-in-law.  Intrigued by her loyalty and humility, Boaz decides to become responsible for her and ends up marrying her.  So it happens that Ruth, a foreigner, becomes the great grandmother of King David and ancestor of Jesus.  Because she chooses God and remains faithful to her promise, Ruth plays a key role in the history of Salvation, all according to God's divine plan.

Ruth's memorial words to Naomi remind us of the importance of family, of loyalty and of faithfulness to the oaths we take.  She is a model of perseverance in hard times which come to us all on our pilgrim journey through life.  Ruth reminds us also of the words of St. Paul, Your life is hid with Christ in God. Col 3:3  God is present in everything that we do, and in everything that happens, and even in the smallest detail of our lives. We need only to remain true.