Friday, August 22, 2025

 

Memorial of the Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary

(Ruth 1:1.3-6.14b-66.22; Matthew 22:34-40)

In the Book of Ruth there are two heroines.  Ruth is valiant for standing with her mother-in-law who loses both husband and sons.  As a foreigner without children, Ruth’s chances of having a family would be better if she seeks a husband among her own people.  When Naomi suggests this option, she shows herself to be selfless and wise.  Perhaps because Naomi is this kind of person, Ruth wants to stay with her and make Naomi’s God her God.

What makes Naomi so God-like?  The question invites speculation: attention to God’s law? compassion from having suffered? perhaps having loving parents herself?  In any case, Naomi embodies God’s covenant with Israel.  She has learned hesed, i.e., steadfast love, from the God of Abraham.  She seeks first not her own welfare but that of others and is happy when the needs of those around her are met.

For us Christians the story of Ruth and Naomi anticipates not only the coming of Christ but also of Mary, his mother.  She will likewise experience the loss of her son while expressing compassion for the needy and devotion to the God of her ancestors.