Lectionary: 423This is the greatest and the first commandment.
The second is like it:
You shall love your neighbor as yourself.
The whole law and the prophets depend on these two commandments.”
The story of Naomi and Ruth accompanies today's Gospel concerning the two greatest commandments, and we do well to notice their synergy.
As he deals with hostile Sadducees and tiresome Pharisees, Jesus's teaching rankles both parties and many of his Christian disciples. Loving God is so much easier than loving one's neighbor! But if loving the neighbor is inseparably linked to the love of God with very little distinction between them -- or at least none in the eyes of the Supreme Judge -- the whole project is rendered humanly impossible. And that's the point!
So we turn to the more approachable and charming story of the elderly Naomi and Ruth, her winsome widowed daughter-in-law.
Like Solomon's wife, Ruth had thrown in her lot with her husband and his family. She preferred to forget her people and her father's house. She felt more welcome and at home with her Naomi than she did with her own family. Because Naomi had decided to return to her family, Ruth would go with her.
For wherever you go, I will go, wherever you lodge I will lodge,your people shall be my people, and your God my God.”
People often join the Catholic Church because their fiances are Catholic. Others join as they accompany a friend to the Mass or other events. They're not swayed by the beautiful doctrines of the Church; they're not fascinated by her moral/ethical teachings. They're not even attracted to the historical fact that the Catholic Church is the original institution. Even fewer are overwhelmed by the power of our preaching!
Rather, they feel welcome and comfortable in our Church because someone said, "Come with me." Or they just tagged along because their Catholic friend had an attractive presence.
If the world ever needed us, it's now. Catholics are not given the choice of believing what they want to believe. We hear the truth spoken through the sacraments, doctrines, magestarium, and prayers; and we believe. When many of our neighbors and friends decide they don't believe something -- the loss of an election, climate change, or a pandemic -- because they don't like it, or feel uncomfortable with it, we know the Truth doesn't compromise to please us. It comes to us to save us.
The world needs us and our truth. Let's invite them to join us.
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I love to write. This blog helps me to meditate on the Word of God, and I hope to make some contribution to our contemplations of God's Mighty Works.
Ordinarily, I write these reflections two or three weeks in advance of their publication. I do not intend to comment on current events.
I understand many people prefer gender-neutral references to "God." I don't disagree with them but find that language impersonal, unappealing and tasteless. When I refer to "God" I think of the One whom Jesus called "Abba" and "Father", and I would not attempt to improve on Jesus' language.
You're welcome to add a thought or raise a question.