Gen 49:2,8-10
Mt 1:1-17
Boaz was the father of Obed, Ruth being his mother…
Around this time last year, I was listening to the Song of Ruth (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qDe6GNMcIPE). I was reminded of this when I saw Ruth’s name in today’s Gospel reading.
Last year, a good friend of mine who happens to be a non-Catholic Christian recommended that I reflect on the book of Ruth. We had a very good conversation about the book and what struck me the most was her willingness to be obedient to the will of God for her life. While she wasn’t just waiting for things to happen, if something happens that is not how she envisioned things to go, she was able to peacefully surrender to God’s will in her life.
This year’s pandemic has made a lot of us realize that there is really very little in our control. I had planned to travel more this year, but that had become impossible. I even read a meme that said that for sure, none of us got the answer right to the question, ‘Where do you see yourself five years from now?’ five years ago. When many of our plans got derailed this year, how many of us adopted an attitude of unwilling resignation? How many of us adopted an attitude of committed obedience to the will of God?
Ruth’s action was a committed obedience to God. She fully embraced God’s will in her life. Obedience to God was not an afterthought. Obedience was there from the very beginning. And I know how hard it is to truly live by the words ‘Let your will be done’.
In today’s Gospel reading, there were three other ladies whose names were mentioned: Tamar, Rahab, and Mother Mary. All these ladies had something in common – they did something that is in line with the will of God, or with God’s law. Rahab helped the Israelites enter Jericho, Tamar’s action ensured continuity of the line of Judah, Ruth followed the law of her mother-in-law’s God, and finally, we have Mother Mary, who said ‘Let it be done to me according to your word.’
With the examples of these ladies, maybe we could reflect on our lives and see where God is calling us to surrender ourselves to His will. And at the same time, we should also be careful that we don’t end up adopting an attitude of unwilling resignation which sounds like ‘Since I can’t do anything anyway, I’ll just surrender to your will, God.’
To truly be obedient to God is to say, ‘Even though I don’t know where this is taking me, and even though the result may not be what I wanted, I surrender to your will, Lord. Let your will be done in my life.’ While it’s not easy, it’s definitely worth it.
(Today’s OXYGEN by Stephanie Villa)
Prayer: Dear Lord, although sometimes it scares me to say this, but let your will be done.
Thanksgiving: Thank you Lord, for the example of Ruth. May I have the courage to entrust myself to you and be obedient to you.
OXYGEN 
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