6.26.23 - Ruth 2:11-13
Relationships are the key to the kin-dom. Good, healthy relationships absent of violence, leaning into compassion. How might you kindle one of these relationships today?
Boaz answered her, ‘All that you have done for your mother-in-law since the death of your husband has been fully told me, and how you left your father and mother and your native land and came to a people that you did not know before. May the Lord reward you for your deeds, and may you have a full reward from the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come for refuge!’ Then she said, ‘May I continue to find favor in your sight, my lord, for you have comforted me and spoken kindly to your servant, even though I am not one of your servants.’
God’s handiwork is most often demonstrated through relationships.
After all, isn’t it through relationships that we give freely that with which we have been blessed?
And, isn’t it through relationships that blessings find their way back to us?
In fact, this network of relating is what opens us to truly experience God as all in all.
Perhaps this is why Jesus taught that loving our neighbors as ourselves is likened to loving God with all of our heart, soul, strength, and mind. We see this reflected in Ruth’s unfailing love for her mother-in-law.
Even when she was not technically bound to do so, she loved her mother-in-law as she loved herself and consequently, we saw God showing up through a series of graces that led up to Boaz showing tremendous Godlike generosity.
How has God shown up for you through your relationships? How has God shown up for others through you?
-- Pedro Silva
Thank you so much, Pedro, for your comments today on relationship. I've always loved the book of Ruth. As I read your words, I began to think about other relationships, primarily our relationship to all of Creation, and the importance of expanding who our neighbor is that we seek to love. As Ruth moved out of her own known world and into an unknown one all for the sake of love for Naomi, I think we're also called to move out of our comfort zones and act, for the sake of love, to save species and air and water and frontline communities. I see Ruth in all those working in this arena, as well. Thank you for your thoughts!