Florida Council of Catholic Women/Province of Miami at P. O. Box 1811, Labelle, FL 33975 US - RUTH

Because a great famine fell upon the land, Elimelech, his wife, Naomi, and their two sons left Bethlehem and settled in Moab. Shortly after their arrival, Naomi's husband died. She remained with her sons who had married women of Moab and who continued to care for her. The family lived there about ten years when both of Naomi's sons died. Naomi had now lost her husband and her sons. When they heard the news that Bethlehem no longer suffered with famine, she decided to return to her native land. Since Ruth and Orpha, her daughters-in-law, did not have children they decided to go with her, but Naomi implored them to return to their mothers. Orpha kissed her mother-in-law and returned. Ruth stuck close to her mother-in-law. Ruth's action of journeying to Bethlehem with Naomi meant giving up her home and her own gods to embrace the God of Israel. Ruth is always remembered for her unselfish reply to Naomi. "Withersoever thou shalt go, I will go; and where thou shalt dwell, I also will dwell. 7hy people shall be my people and thy God my God." Ruth and Naomi returned to Bethlehem at the beginning of the harvest. "Ruth went into the fields to glean the ears of corn that escaped the hands of the reapers. " The story of how Ruth met Boaz, the owner of the field and eventually married him is related in: Ruth 2:3-4. Ruth is an example of true and loving compassion by putting the needs of others before her own needs. Reflection: Are we ever faced with hard choices that require us to put our desires aside? How do we face these demands? Do we have aging parents or other family members who need us? How do we respond? Do we wait until they ask for help or do we remember Ruth and anticipate their needs? Prayer: 0 Lord, give me the strength and courage to take on any responsibility that comes with the knowledge that it may not be easy, but with your help it will not be impossible.

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