Word to the Wise
Friday, August 21, 2009 - St. Pius X, pope
[Ruth 1:1, 3-6, 14B-16, 22 and Matthew 22:34-40]Wherever you go, I will go, wherever you lodge I will lodge, your people shall be my people, and your God my God.
These words from the Book of Ruth are familiar ones. I hear them often at weddings! They represent a beautiful expression of personal commitment that transcends familial, tribal and cultural/theological boundaries. Ruth's decision to stay with Naomi is a serious one of that kind. She chooses Naomi over her own family, tribe and cultic commitments. She leaves the past behind and goes toward the future with her renewed commitment. She pledges "covenant fidellity." No wonder these words show up at weddings! The same kind of fidelity is outlined by Jesus in the gospel scripture today when he distills all the Torah into two commandments: Love of God and love of neighbor! In the Gospel of Luke, this same incident leads to the parable of the Good Samaritan, where love of neighbor transcends cultural and cultic barriers. Ruth leads the way today and her words will stick around in my own head as I review my own efforts to live according to them. AMEN