August 20, 2021 Friday of the 20th Week in Ordinary Time-B ST.BERNARD, ABBOT, DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH
Ruth 1:1, 3-6, 14-16, 22
Psalm 146
Matthew 22:34-40
“For wherever you go, I will go…and your God my God.” Ruth 1:16
“You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart…soul…and mind.” Mt. 22:37
Lord, your family tree contains great men and women who were critical to our redemption. Ruth is an ancestor who came to love both God and her mother-in law. She gave up her former life to live faithfully for God and to serve Naomi. Only death would separate her from the woman who showed her the love God had for her. Ruth is one of the few women mentioned in your genealogy in the Bible. Ruth was rewarded with a good life. What a contrast we have between Ruth and the scribes and Pharisees. She gave her heart to God and your enemies tried to trap you and eventually plotted to kill you. She never saw God but you were in plain sight everyday to your adversaries. Her heart was open while theirs was closed. Lord, I pray for the faith and devotion of Ruth. She lived the two greatest commandments to a “T.” The “Ruths” of this world make it a better place and help pave the way for your Kingdom to flourish. She is an example for me of decency, kindness and generosity. Thank you for putting people like Ruth in my life-I am better for it. St. Bernard pray for me. Amen.