Twentieth Saturday of Ordinary Time

Casting herself prostrate upon the ground, Ruth said to him, "Why should I, a foreigner, be favored with your notice?" Boaz answered her: "I have had a complete account of what you have done for your mother-in-law after your husband's death; you have left your father and your mother and the land of your birth, and have come to a people whom you did not know previously."

We don’t always know how our actions affect others. Sometimes when we do something it goes unnoticed. Other times we are immediately recognized for what we’ve done, both good and bad, and rewarded or suffer accordingly. However, some of our actions do not bear noticeable fruits until later or they bear fruits we do not know of. Ruth cares deeply for her mother-in-law and does what is right by her and this catches the attention of Boaz and leads to their marriage. In a similar way, when we do good or evil, others see our actions and are affected by them. When we do good, we can bring out the best in people... perhaps not right away, but over time our persistent goodness comes to fruition. When we do evil, we can bring out the worst in others and ruin lives without even knowing it. Our words and works can have far reaching effects and this is why it is so important that we cultivate a spirit of faith, hope, and love which will be an aid to the spiritual growth of others and not a stumbling block. God wants us to lead people toward Him and this means doing what is right. Always.

Are we stepping stones toward heaven for those whom we meet or stumbling blocks to their faith? When we speak and act, do we think of the ramifications of our actions on others? How can we more firmly ground our thoughts, words, and works in God’s Goodness?

O Lord, help us to lead others to a deeper love of you and your children.

Amen.