December 12: Ruth & Boaz
Traditional Ornament: Grain
Reading: Ruth 3-4
“Blessed is the Lord who has not failed to provide you today with a redeemer. May he become famous in Israel” (Ruth 4:13)
In the beginning of the book of Ruth, we are introduced to Naomi. Her husband has just died. Her two sons marry Moabite (Gentile) women (Orpah and Ruth), and not long after, both sons also die. Three widowed women alone – without a family – at a time when not having a father or husband made life more than difficult for a woman. Naomi decides to return to her homeland, Bethlehem and instructs her daughters-in-law to return to their families. Ruth, in an act of loyalty, tells Naomi that she will not leave her. One of the most beautiful verses in the Bible is Ruth’s reply to Naomi: “Wherever you go, I will go, wherever you lodge, I will lodge. Your people shall be my people and your God, my God. Where you die I will die and there be buried.” (Ruth 1:16-17)
Naomi and Ruth reach Bethlehem at the time of the barley harvest and Ruth sets out to glean the fields after the harvesters have finished their work. It is there that she first meets Boaz, who just happens to be a relative of her in-laws. Boaz has heard of Ruth’s loyalty to her mother-in-law and is impressed with the young widow. He is attracted to, and protective of Ruth, and looks out for her best interest, ensuring that she has enough food for herself and for Naomi.
When we pick up the story in Chapter 3, we find Naomi instructing Ruth on how to make a marriage claim with Boaz. She refers to Boaz as their redeemer, which he is according to Jewish law because of the family relationship. The story of Ruth and Boaz may not be the greatest love story ever written, but when they marry, its effects are far-reaching. It meant security for Naomi; it restored a family; and through their descendants came David, the future king of Israel, and from whose house the Messiah would be born.
This Advent, when we look at the story of Boaz marrying Ruth, the young Gentile widow, we are reminded that Jesus sacrificed himself to be the Redeemer of not just the Israelites, but of all people of all nations.
© 2017 Catechist’s Aide
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