The Book of Ruth offers us a number of valuable lessons about God and how He interacts with His people. One example is the question of bravery. Ruth lived in an era in which bravery was usually measured by the number of deaths one was able to extract from the enemy. She challenges that picture for she was undoubtedly a brave woman. She left her family and nation, even her own gods, so that she might follow Naomi and serve her needs. Ruth never asked herself who would take care of her in her old age. She risked all to do what was right.

Another example is the whole question of the role of women in this book. Throughout most of the Old Testament, women are an afterthought. Here is a book in which the protagonist is a woman.

Still another example is the opposition to racial prejudice. The Israelites hated the Moabites, and this book told the nation that God loved all people no matter what their color or nationality or even their religion.

Finally, many of the stories of the Old Testament are filled with great miracles such as the parting of the Red Sea or the defeat of large armies of enemies. This book is unusual for it presents a story in which God works in and through the charity of people and not in an extraordinary manner. This difference is almost refreshing for it makes the book easily applicable to our everday life.

And so, the Book of Ruth is remarkably modern. It speaks to us and challenges us to be more like this heroic woman and to be more like the God in Whom she came to believe.

Shalom,

Fr. Jude Winkler, OFM Conv.