In today's first reading, Ruth1: 20-2:1=3, 8-11, 13-17, Naomi and and Ruth arrive in Bethlehem. The women of Bethlehem ask: "Is this really Naomi?" To which she immediately replies: "Don't call me Naomi but Marah because God has made my life bitter. When left here, I had plenty but the Lord has brought me back without a thing. Why call me Naomi when God has condemned me and sent me trouble?"
We are told that when Ruth and Naomi arrived in Bethlehem, it was harvest time. The barley crop was ready! Riches await Naomi, but, in her brokenness, she sees only that which is bitter. She is unable to imagine a plentiful life again. Yet, God is her care-giver, as He is ours. All of us will experience troubles in our lives. All of us will experience brokenness. It will seem as though God has condemned us; that the troubles of life have been sent to us by God Himself. At times, like Naomi, we will identify ourselves as bitter men and women, even so slightly or for long periods of time.
That which is broken, however, is capable of being put back together. Deserts can become fertile again. Assumed condemnations turn into blessings. We know that in faith! And as Ruth did when they returned to Bethlehem, encouraged by Naomi--going out in the fields and reaping the harvest, not sitting back feeling sorry for herself--we, too, can take action, however small. In taking initiative as prompted by the Spirit, we are readying ourselves for a plentiful harvest.
Like Naomi, whom Ruth would never abandon and whom Ruth trusted as well, we, too, need persons we can trust and who encourage us to take action. That trust in another human being leads us to trusting God. Who is that person in your life?
No comments:
Post a Comment