Ruth and Naomi

Homily for Friday of the Twentieth Week in Ordinary Time

In the reading from the Book of Ruth, her dedication is, first, to Naomi and then to Naomi’s God. This reflects the way things usually go. We come to God, to love, to faithfulness and a sense of loyalty, to responsibility, and to an appreciation of commitment first of all through our admiration or our love for some person. Naomi has been an example to Ruth, a mirror through which she can see the eternal love and faithfulness of God.

Most of us learn of these matters through other people. These examples are so important to us; and, vice versa, we are so important to others’ faith and hope, whether we realize it or not. This is another way of reminding ourselves that our faith, hope, and love are intrinsically bound up with others. We depend on each other; we influence each other; we support each other – or, the opposite may be true. However, we should never lose sight of the fact that someone, somewhere is dependent on us for help, inspiration and encouragement whether in word or example.

Today we celebrate the memorial of the Queenship of Mary, a fitting way to mark the octave of the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin. She, of course, is a wonderful example for us, and through her life, we find help, inspiration, and encouragement in her example of faithful commitment to God’s will. As we receive the Eucharist today, we give thanks for the examples of faith in our life that have led us to God, and we pledge ourselves as examples for others as we make an effort to be witnesses to the Gospel of Jesus.