Sixth Sunday after Pentecost, 17 Jul 2022, LoLLC
Channel: Lord of Life Lutheran Church
Date: 2022-07-18

The story of Ruth functions as an introduction to the story of David; it is also a story of community, relationship, and cultural values: God’s relationship with Israel results in the provisioning of Bethlehem and is extolled in the psalm. Naomi returns to her community in her time of need. Ruth’s relationship with Naomi grows closer while Orpah seeks the comfort of her community. And it is as a member of the same community that Boaz enters into a new relationship with Ruth that will see her and Naomi provided for. In the Epistle the God of creation also creates community, and the God who provides for creation expects this beloved community to provide and care for one another. As is often the case, Jesus expands our circles of care and concern beyond our own community and those we love to those we do not like and do not want to love.

[thumbnail: Boaz and Ruth, watercolor by Karin Kraus]