The Book of Ruth Chapter 4 of 4

The Book of Ruth 

Chapter 

4

 

¹ No sooner had Boaz gone up to the gate and sat down there than the next of kin, of whom Boaz had spoken, came passing by. So Boaz said, "Come over friend; sit down here." And he went over and sat down.

 

(The Book of Ruth Chapter 4 verse 1)

 

Oh God my Father, I do not believe in coincidences or chance, I believe that all is under Your control. Every situation of our life is in Your hands Amen.

 

² Then Boaz took ten men of the elders of the city, and said, "Sit down here"; so they sat down.

 

(The Book of Ruth Chapter 4 verse 2)

 

Oh God my Father we have become a society based on evidence and proof and the person who does not show such will not be credible, however, in my case, the court was so gullible to believe my wife without proof who portrayed me as being violent and aggressive and this limited my access to my child. I pray that even though the court's judgement was such Your justice prevails over such corrupt ways Amen.

³ He then said to the next-of-kin. "Naomi, who has come back from the country of Moab, is selling the parcel of land that belonged to our kinsman Elimelech. ⁴ So I thought I would tell you of it, and say; Buy it in the presence of those sitting here, and in the presence of the elders of my people. If you will redeem it, redeem it; but if you will not tell me, so that I may know; for there is no one prior to you to redeem it, and I come after you." So he said, " I will redeem it."

(The Book of Ruth Chapter 4 verses 3 to 4)

Oh God, my Father Boaz was talking about Naomi and Ruth as if they were inherited property over which the next-of-kin had a right over. As a sinner, You also have a claim over me, and You exercised that claim when You redeemed me by means of a cruel passion. You sealed the deed of sale or redemption with Your very blood Amen. I thank You for redeeming me Amen.


⁵ Then Boaz said, "The say you acquire the field from the hand of Naomi, you are also acquiring Ruth the Moabite, the widow of the dead man, to maintain the dead man's name on his inheritance. ⁶ At this, the next-of-kin said, "I cannot redeem it for myself without damaging my own inheritance. Take my right of redemption yourself, for I cannot redeem it".

(The Book of Ruth Chapter 4 verses 5 to 6)

Oh God many times we end up facing great dilemmas and end up taking decisions in which in part we gain and in part we may need to lose in order to make it a win-win solution. I pray for Your intervention during today's meeting so that a win-win situation be reached Amen.


⁷ Now this was the custom in former times in Israel concerning redeeming and exchanging; to confirm a transaction, the one took off a sandal and gave it to the other; this was the manner of attesting in Israel.

(The Book of Ruth Chapter 4 verse 7)

Oh God my Father, many countries have different traditions and customs, however, such practices cannot substitute those of the native country in which we are living in. I pray oh God that as Roman Catholics we will not be influenced by the influx of new traditions and customs Amen.


⁸ So when the next-of-kin said to Boaz, "Acquire it for yourself," he took off his sandal. ⁹ Then Boaz said to the elders and all the people, "Today you are witnesses that I have acquired from the hand of Naomi all that belonged to Elimelech and all that belonged to Chillion and Mahlon. ¹⁰ I have also acquired Ruth the Moabite, the wife of Mahlon, to be my wife, to maintain the dead man's name on his inheritance, in order that the name of the dead may not be cut off from his kindred and from the gate of his native place; today you are witnesses." ¹¹ Then all the people who were at the gate, along with the elders, said, "We are witnesses. May the LORD make the woman who is coming into your house like Rachel and Leah who together built up the house of Israel. May you produce children in Ephratah and bestow a name in Bethlehem; ¹² and through the children that the LORD will give you by this young woman, may your house be like the house of Perez, whom Tamar bore to Judah."

(The Book of Ruth Chapter 4 verses 8 to 12)

Oh God my Father what a beautiful prayer with much meaning and great value. I pray that our rites and customs be as rich in detail as the one referred to. I offer this prayer to all newlyweds and to all who will be married in the future Amen.

¹³ So Boaz took Ruth and she became his wife. When they came together, the LORD made her conceive, and she bore a son.


(The Book of Ruth Chapter 4 verse 13)


Oh God my Father, when You intervene You make all things possible. You open the doors to many opportunities that are according to Your will as in the case of Ruth Amen. Thank You Jesus.


¹⁴ Then the women said to Naomi, "Blessed be the LORD, who has not left you this day without next-of-kin; and may his name be renowned in Israel. ¹⁵ He shall be to you a restorer of life and a nourisher of your old age; for your daughter-in-law who loves you, who is more to you than seven sons, has borne him."


(The Book of Ruth Chapter 4 verses 14 to 15)


Oh God my Father blessed and holy is Your Name throughout the entire world. May we always bless and give worship to You. Amen. Indeed You are my life support. In You I have life eternal Amen.


¹⁶ Then Naomi took the child and laid him in her bosom, and became his nurse.


(The Book of Ruth Chapter 4 verse 16)


Oh God my Father, as in the case of Naomi, You also take responsibility for our welfare and give us all the love and care that we need in order to grow up and become images of You Amen.


¹⁷ The women of the neighbourhood gave him a name, saying, "A son has been born to Naomi." They named him Obed; he became the father of Jesse, the father of David.


(The Book of Ruth Chapter 4 verse 17)


Oh God my Father, society is like an animal. Its personality changes with the blink of an eye. When Naomi was childless she was given a negative label, now that she had a child she was given a positive one. I pray that we refrain from giving labels to anyone for they do not reflect either the person or the situation, so much that Ruth's son ended up in becoming the father of David. Amen.


¹⁸ Now these are the descendants of Perez: Perez became the father of Hezron, ¹⁹ Hezron of Ram, Ram of Amminadab, ²⁰ Amminadab of Nahshon, Nahshon of Salmon, ²¹ Salmon of Boaz, Boaz of Obed, ²² Obed of Jesse, and Jesse of David.


(The Book of Ruth Chapter 4 verses 18 to 22)


Oh God my Father, You honour the humble in their lowly status by changing their life status to one of grandeur and honour and prestige. I thank You for having mercy on us and our situations Amen.


Therefore, I would like to end the fourth and final chapter of the Book of Ruth with the following prayer:-


Oh God my Father, I thank You for having control over my life and for what goes on during this period of my life. You raised me up and I have been under Your care. I thank You for adopting me as one of Your many sons Amen.

 

The book of Ruth Chapter 3

The book of Ruth 

Chapter 

3

¹ Naomi her mother-in-law said to her, "My daughter, I need to seek some security for you, so that it may be well with you.

(Book of Ruth Chapter 3 verse 1)

Oh God, my beloved Father, many people seek their security and well-being in marriage, thinking that a young lady would find herself a companion with whom to share her life and he could provide her with a better future. The young man may also wish to marry and make a happy family and in doing so feel more complete and self-fulfilled. However, there are certain securities such as our spiritual well-being that not a lot of people consider. From my experience, I confess that when I lived the married life I was not as whole and complete as the present times. Now that I am in the process of separating I can dedicate the rest of my life to You my God and Father in a way that is again different from when I was living a life of a pre-novice. I thank You, God for this time of spiritual freedom Amen.


² Now here is our kinsman Boaz, with whose young women you have been working. See, he is winnowing barley tonight at the threshing floor. ³ Now wash and anoint yourself, and put on your best clothes and go down to the threshing floor; but do not make yourself known to the man until he has finished eating and drinking.


(Book of Ruth Chapter 3 verses 2 to 3)



Oh God, my beloved Father, Ruth was instructed to look her best before going in the presence of Boaz. In order to be effective, Ruth was to intervene at a specific time so as not to spoil his moment of pleasure and maybe relaxation.


On the same parallels when coming in Your presence we also need to be well prepared, anointed with the sacrament of reconciliation with an attitude of forgiveness and an open heart to receive You Amen. When going to Mass we are to participate at the right moments which requires our active participation even if our voices are off or are in discord. God does not want us to be pop singers but he wants our praise and worships Amen. 


Thank You, Jesus Amen.


⁴ When he lies down, observe the place where he lies; then go and uncover his feet and lie down; and he will tell you what to do."


(Book of Ruth Chapter 3 verse 4)


Oh God my beloved Father, I will go wherever You want me to go, I will go to the places where I know I can find You and then You will also tell me what to do, I am waiting for an answer my God and Father Amen. It could be that I have been looking for You in the wrong places, and this is why I did not find You. Amen.


⁵ "All that you tell me I will do."


(Book of Ruth Chapter 3 verse 5) 


Oh God my Father as much as Ruth pledged her obedience to her mother-in-law, we are also to do the same to You. We must give our word, and pray for the strength and the will to obey Your will Amen.


⁶ So she went down to the threshing floor and did just as her mother-in-law had instructed her.


(Book of Ruth Chapter 3 verse 6) 


Oh God my beloved Father I pray that I be ready to obey You as much as I obey my earthly superiors Amen 


⁷ When Boaz had eaten and drunk, and he was in a contented mood, he went to lie down at the end of the heap of grain. Then she came stealthily and uncovered his feet, and lay down. ⁸ At midnight the man was startled, and turned over, and there lying at his feet, was a woman!


(Book of Ruth Chapter 3 verses 7 to 8) 


Oh God my beloved Father, You have a habit of intervening at times or moments in our lives, when we least expect them, and as in the case of Boaz You leave us amazed. I thank You for doing so my God and Father Amen. Even though we may not be aware You are always at work on our behalf Amen. 


⁹ He said, "Who are you?" And she answered, "I am Ruth, your servant; spread your cloak over your servant, fir you are next-of-kin."



(Book of Ruth Chapter 3 verse 9)

Oh God my Father, I also give myself to You for as my loving and blessed Father, You are also my next of kin. You are my entire family and I give You thanks and praise Amen.

¹⁰ He said, "May you be blessed by the LORD, my daughter; this last instance of your loyalty is better than the first; you have not gone after young men, whether poor or rich.



(Book of Ruth Chapter 3 verse 10) 



Oh God my beloved Father as Boaz blessed Ruth for having chosen him among other men who were either richer or poorer than himself, You also bless us for our choices. I thank You oh God my Father, for all the good choices that I have made according to Your will even though at the time I may have not been aware that I was acting according to Your will Amen. May Your will continue to unfold and make itself known to me Amen. 


¹¹ And now, my daughter, do not be afraid, I will do for you all that you ask, for all the assembly of my people know that you are a worthy woman.


(Book of Ruth Chapter 3 verse 11) 

I bless and thank You God my Father for all your encouragement, for even though many people have different opinions of me, You are the only one who knows me as I really am and loves and accepts me as I really am Amen.


¹² But now though it is true that I am a near kinsman there is another kinsman more closely related than I.


(Book of Ruth Chapter 3 verse 12) 


Oh God, my Father, even though we are related humanly to each other, our closest relative is Yourself, for we are connected by both blood and spirit Amen.


¹³ Remain this night, and in the morning, if he will act as next-of-kin for you, good; let him do it. If he is not willing to act as next-of-kin for you, then as the LORD lives, I will act as next=of-kin for you. Lie down until the morning."



(Book of Ruth Chapter 3 verse 13)


Oh God, my loving Father, I would like You to be my guardian, even though I am an adult, for there is none like You. You died and paid the price of my redemption and You adopted me as one of Your sons. I pray that You always stand by and protect me, my God and Father Amen.



¹⁴ So she lay at his feet until morning, but got up before one person could recognize another; for he said, "It must not be known that the woman came to the threshing floor."


(Book of Ruth Chapter 3 verse 14)


Oh my God many things are done at night things that should never have been ever done, however, what is done in darkness will be one day exposed to the light, that which was done in secret will become public Amen.




¹⁵ Then he said, "Bring the cloak you are wearing and hold it out." So she held it, and he measured out six measures of barley, and put it on her back; then he went into the city.


(Book of Ruth Chapter 3 verse 15)


Oh God, my Father, as humans we have a nice way to cover up our sins, in order to keep the other person's mouth shut we give money, during these times it was barley. I pray for people who are caught in such schemes and are slaves to the blackmailer for all their lives especially in serious cases of abuse or other scandalous acts Amen.


¹⁶ She came to her mother-in-law, who said, "How did things go with you, my daughter?" Then she told her all that the man had done for her, ¹⁷ saying, "He gave me these six measures of barley, for he said, 'Do not go back to your mother-in-law empty-handed.'"


(Book of Ruth Chapter 3 verses 16 to 17)



Even though this is not the case my God and Father, I pray for all parents especially for those who end up using their children in a circle of abuse, parents who end up being in alliance with the abuser in order to obtain personal gain. I also pray for the victims of such negative actions so that they will not be scarred for life Amen.


¹⁸ She replied, "Wait, my daughter, until you learn how the matter turns out, for the man will not rest, but will settle the matter today."




(Book of Ruth Chapter 3 verse 18)


Oh God, my Father, when we are in sin when our spirit is not at rest. When we are in such a state of emotional turmoil or discomfort facing dilemmas, such as maybe if I will terminate this pregnancy or ending my life, or filing for a divorce or separation or even reporting a crime or injustice. Your presence in us prompts us to either seek repentance or a way of finding a healthy and durable solution to the issue. I pray that we always be united with You and in You and that a state of internal and external peace reigns in and around us. Amen.


Oh God my Father on meditating on the third chapter of the book of Ruth I would like to end this chapter with the following prayer.

As parents we aim at seeking the best for our children, however, at times we reach alternatives such as marriage which is not always the solution. I pray that we turn on You and discern the consequences before acting. Amen.

The book of Ruth Chapter 2

The book of Ruth 

Chapter 

2

¹ Now Naomi had a kinsman on her husband's side, a prominent rich man of the family of Elimelech, whose was Boaz. ² And Ruth the Moabite said to Naomi, "Let me go to the field and glean among the ears of grain, behind someone in whose sight I may find favor." She said to her, "Go, my daughter."

(Book of Ruth Chapter 2 verses 1 to 2)

Oh God, my Father, I thank You for all the sources of support that You provide us with, both those in our inner circles such as family and friends and even those beyond our inner circles. I pray for all people who have ended up as refugees in a foreign land so that depending on the sources of income given to them, You motivate them to do the most with what they have Amen and seek a better future for themselves and for their enemies.


³ So she went. She came and gleaned in the field behind the reapers. As it happened, she came to the part of the field belonging to Boaz, who was of the family of Elimelech. ⁴ Just then Boaz came from Bethlehem. He said to the reapers, "The LORD be with you." They answered. "The LORD bless you."


(Book of Ruth Chapter 2 verses 3 to 4)


Oh God, my Father how holy it would be if we had to address others in such a way, or moreover if our employers were to give us their blessing on meeting us before we start our day. I pray to all that we adopt this way of greeting among ourselves and gradually it will become positively contagious Amen.


⁵ Then Boaz said to his servant who was in charge of the reapers, "To whom does this young woman belong?"


(Book of Ruth Chapter 2 verse 5)



Oh God my Father when You have something planned for us, You make us noticed among important people, who would offer us important opportunities for who we are and for what we can do. People will take interest and will start asking questions about us. I pray oh God my Father that when the time comes this will also happen to me Amen.


⁶ The servant who was in charge of the reapers answered, "She is the Moabite who came back with Naomi from the country of Moab.


(Book of Ruth Chapter 2 verse 6) 


Oh God, my Father, may others talk of our positive traits before others, may we be noticed because of our positive actions and because of our love for You and others Amen.


⁷ She said, 'Please, let me glean and gather among the sheaves behind the reapers.' So she came, and she has been on her feet from early this morning until now, without resting even for a moment."


(Book of Ruth Chapter 2 verse 7) 



Oh God my Father in our works or produce we greatly reflect who and what we are so much that as in the case of Ruth others may form either a positive image or a negative image of us. As in the material world we need to show a motivation that we desire to work both on ourselves and in order to help others. As employees in the kingdom of Heaven, we are also to be motivated to help others and this must also show through our works or motivations. Amen.


⁸ Then Boaz said to Ruth, "Now listen, my daughter, do not go to glean in another field or leave this one, but keep close to my young women. 




(Book of Ruth Chapter 2 verse 8)



Oh God my beloved Father, You are also encouraging me to stay at my place of work and not look elsewwhere. This is the place where You want me to be. I thank You oh God my Father. Thank You for the instruction of keeping close to other members of the team, for there are many things that You can teach me by means of them Amen.


⁹ Keep your eyes on the field that is being reaped, and follow behind them. I have ordered the young men not to bother you. If you get thirsty, go to the vessels and drink from what the young men have drawn."


(Book of Ruth Chapter 2 verse 9) 



Oh God my beloved Father, today You are asking me to remain focused on the tasks that You have given me, of which the primary is that of walking in Your ways, even though I am constantly tested by tribulations. Even though situations appear to be complicated and conditioned by sin, You oh God have the power to control my situations and turn what seems to be a negative situation to a positive one.  


¹⁰ Then she fell prostrate, with her face to the ground, and said to him, "Why have I found favor in your sight, that you should take notice of me, when I am a foreigner?" 


(Book of Ruth Chapter 2 verse 10)  




Oh God, my loving Father, I also ought to fall prostrate before You and ask the same question:-


 "Why do You love me as You do, what have I done apart from sinning and going against Your ways that I merit such love? You have saved me from many situations, turned negative situations into my favor and even now that I am under a lot of emotional stress I know that again You will deliver me out of my situation" Thank You, my God and Father!



¹¹ But Boaz answered her, "All that you have done for your mother-in-law since the death of your husband has been fully told me, and how you left your father and mother and your native land and came to a people that you did not know before.



(Book of Ruth Chapter 2 verse 11)  


Oh God my Father, none of the positive acts that we do towards others or on their behalf are ever wasted in Your eyes. If humans do not appreciate such actions or are not grateful,  I am convinced that You always are and that what I do I do for You and not to obtain the praise and fame of humanity Amen.


¹² May the LORD reward you for your deeds, and may you have a full reward from the LORD, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come for refuge!"



(Book of Ruth Chapter 2 verse 12) 

Oh God my beloved Father, to You is the glory, blessings, and power, might and thanksgiving forever, for what we do good in Your sight, we do not do it from ourselves but from the urges of the Holy Spirit who dwells within us Amen.



¹³ Then she said, "May I continue to find favor in your sight, my Lord, for you have comforted me and spoken kindly to your servant, even though I am not one of your servants."


(Book of Ruth Chapter 2 verse 13) 




Oh God, my beloved Father how important it is to be careful in the words we choose to interact with each other, for with one word or action we can cause a person to feel happy, but on the other hand with another word or action, we can cause the person to become depressed or even suicidal. Therefore those words or actions that we do not wish others to use or do to us, it would be wise not to do or use them with others. Amen. 


¹⁴ At meantime Boaz said to her, "Come here, and eat some of this bread, and dip your morsel in the sour wine." So she sat beside the reapers, and he heaped up for her some parched grain. She ate until she was satisfied, and she had some left over.


(Book of Ruth Chapter 2 verse 14) 


Oh God, my Father You are so merciful, You take us on board even though we are not worthy to form part of Your team and You place us on an equal footing with the angels and the saints giving us more than our share of Your blessings, providence and mercy Amen. I thank You, God my Father.  


¹⁵ When she got up to glean, Boaz instructed his young men, 'Let her glean even among the standing sheaves, and do not reproach her. ¹⁶ You must also pull out some handfulls for her from the bundles, and leave them for her to glean, and do not rebuke her."


(Book of Ruth Chapter 2 verses 15 to 16)


Oh God, my beloved Father, if Boaz a carnal and wordy master could be so kind and merciful to Ruth how much more is Your love and kindness to us as humans and as Your sons and daughters. You are able to soften the conditions of what is seemingly a tough situation so that we may not be overwhelmed by it Amen. Thank You, Jesus.


¹⁷ So she gleaned in the field until evening. Then she beat out what she had gleaned, and it was about an ephah of barley. ¹⁸ She picked it up and came into the town, and her mother-in-law saw how much she had gleaned. Then she took out and gave her what was left over after she herself had been satisfied.


(Book of Ruth Chapter 2 verses 17 to 18) 


Oh God, my Father, I bless You for having created generous people such as Ruth, who did not claim her wages for herself, even though she was entitled to them but went to share her earnings with her mother in law. I pray that You also give me this positive trait Amen. Even though I am in need of a lot of money to cover my expenses I pray that You help me keep on believing in Your Divine Providence and share what I have with others Amen.  


¹⁹ Her mother-in-law said to her, "Where did you glean today? And where have you worked? Blessed be the man who took notice of you." So she told her mother-in-law with whom she had worked and said, "The name of the man with whom I worked today is Boaz."



(Book of Ruth Chapter 2 verses 19)



Oh God my Father, many times You give insights and foresight to our parents and elders, and it is good of us, if we pay heed to their admonitions because many times this is backed up by many years of experience. I thank You for using others to give me such insights and raise my awareness Amen.



²º Then Naomi said to her daughter-in-law. "Blessed be he by the LORD, whose kindness has not forsaken the living or the dead!" Naomi also said to her, "The man is a relative of ours, one of our nearest kin."


(Book of Ruth Chapter 2 verses 20)



Oh God my beloved Father, blessed be those employers who show kindness and understanding to their employees and bear with them during times of stress Amen. I pray that employees find support and compassion in their employers and colleagues so much that a strong feeling of unity and support will be present Amen.


²¹ Then Ruth the Moabite said, "He even said to me, 'Stay close by my servants, until they have finished all my harvest.'"


(Book of Ruth Chapter 2 verses 21)



Oh God my blessed Father when reflecting on this verse I feel that You are telling me to stay close and persist in this meditation for by means of it You are reaping many good souls which is an important part of Your harvest. I pray that many more people choose to join and reflect on Your word and not mine and reap from the fruit of the harvest Amen.



²² Naomi said to Ruth, her daughter-in-law, "It is better, my daughter that you go out with his young women, otherwise you might be bothered in another field." ²³ So she stayed close to the young women of Boaz, gleaning until the end of the barley and wheat harvests; and she lived with her mother - in - law.


(Book of Ruth Chapter 2 verses 22 to 23)



Oh God, my Father, I thank You for the wisdom and positive values that are found in our elders. Their faith and experience of life can be transferred even to our times if we respect such a treasure Amen. I pray that we learn to love and respect our elders and evaluate all the good counsel that they give us Amen.


Oh God, my Father, I would like to end this second chapter of the book of Ruth with the following prayer:


Blessed be Your name my God and Father and blessed be Your divine providence. I thank You for the work that You have given me and all the support that You are giving me by means of prayer and other people Amen. I pray that we learn to love and respect our elders and learn to respect their wide experience of life Amen.