20th Week in Ordinary Time: Friday 23rd August 2019

Due to famine, Elimelech, Naomi and their sons left Bethlehem and went to Moab. Elimelech died, the sons married Moabite women and then the sons died. These three widows were in a difficult position. Naomi decided to go back home to Bethlehem and encouraged her daughters-in-law to return to their Moabite families. Orpah obeyed but Ruth chose to remain with Naomi and to adopt Naomi’s people and Naomi’s God as her own. Ruth is respected for her outstanding loyalty to Naomi and ultimately to the God of the Israelites. She became the ancestor of King David and Jesus.

The lawyer, a Pharisee, asked Jesus the question about the greatest commandment in order to test him. Jesus’ response was immediate. Love for God is first and love for one’s neighbour is second. This may seem simple, but love is not easy; it is not just a nice warm feeling. Love is an action word. Jesus meant that our love should result in positive deeds. There is another twist to what Jesus said — who is my neighbour? How should I love myself? We must recognize that we are all the beloved children of God and if God loves us unconditionally, we must love others in the same way. When we accept who we are and whose we are, then we can fulfill these greatest commandments.

 Lord, help me to love you and others as you love.