The Book of Ruth

The Book of Ruth is a short story in the Old Testament. It tells about a woman named Ruth who stays loyal to her mother-in-law, Naomi. Ruth was not an Israelite, but she chose to follow Naomi’s people and her God. This choice leads her on a path of kindness, hope, and new life.

The story begins with sadness. Naomi, her husband, and their two sons leave Bethlehem because of a famine. In a foreign land, Naomi’s husband and sons die. Naomi is left with her two daughters-in-law, Ruth and Orpah. Naomi tells them to return to their families. Orpah goes back, but Ruth stays.

Ruth says she will go wherever Naomi goes. She even says Naomi’s God will be her God. This strong promise shows her deep love and loyalty. The two women return to Bethlehem with nothing but each other. Life is hard, but Ruth works in the fields to care for Naomi.

In the end, Ruth marries a good man named Boaz. They have a son named Obed. Obed becomes the grandfather of King David. This makes Ruth part of the family line that leads to Jesus. Her story shows how love, faithfulness, and trust can bring blessings.

The Book of Ruth takes place during the time of the judges. This was a time before Israel had kings. People often made poor choices, and there was little peace. There were many hard years, and life was uncertain. The story shows how one small family tried to survive during these troubled times.

The book does not name the author. Some think it may have been written by the prophet Samuel. Others believe it was written later. The exact time is not clear. But many agree it was written to help people remember the story of Ruth and her family.

Even though it is a short book, it has a big place in the Bible. Ruth’s story shows that people from other nations can be part of God’s plan. It also shows how kindness and loyalty can change lives.

The book also reminds readers about King David’s family. Ruth, a woman from Moab, became the great-grandmother of David. This is important for the story of Israel and for the story of Jesus.

The Book of Ruth is written like a short story. It has a clear beginning, middle, and end. The story is easy to follow. It talks about real people and real struggles. There are no big battles or miracles. It is quiet and calm.

The book uses simple language. It shows what people say and do. Much of the story happens through conversations. These words help us understand the people better. We see how Ruth, Naomi, and Boaz think and feel by how they speak.

The story also uses a lot of images from daily life. It talks about farming, gathering grain, and family. These things help us picture the world of Ruth. Even today, people can relate to it.

Though it is short, the book is carefully written. Each part fits together. It moves slowly but with meaning. It shows that even small acts of care and love can change the future.

The Book of Ruth teaches many lessons that connect with Catholic faith. It may be a small book, but it shares big truths about how we live and how God works in our lives.

• Loyalty and love: Ruth stays with Naomi even when it is hard. This reminds us of how we are called to stay with others in times of trouble. Love means not giving up.
• Trust in God’s plan: Ruth does not know what will happen next, but she follows anyway. Catholics are also called to trust, even when life is unclear.
• God includes everyone: Ruth is not from Israel, but she becomes part of God’s people. The Church teaches that all people are welcome in God’s family.
• Family and care: Ruth works hard to care for Naomi. Boaz cares for Ruth. Their actions show how families and communities are meant to support one another.
• God works through ordinary life: There are no big signs or wonders in this book. But God is still present in small things, like harvesting grain and making promises. Catholics believe that God is with us in daily life, not just in big events.

The story of Ruth shows that love, faith, and trust can grow in simple acts. It also helps prepare the way for the coming of Jesus, who is part of Ruth’s family line.

The Book of Ruth has four short chapters. Each one tells a part of the story. Together, they show how Ruth goes from loss to new life. Here is how the story is divided:

• Chapter 1 (Ruth 1:1–22)
  Naomi and her family leave Bethlehem during a famine. Her husband and sons die in a foreign land. Ruth chooses to stay with Naomi and return to Bethlehem with her.
• Chapter 2 (Ruth 2:1–23)
  Ruth works in the fields to gather grain. She meets Boaz, a kind man who owns the field. Boaz helps Ruth and makes sure she is safe.
• Chapter 3 (Ruth 3:1–18)
  Naomi makes a plan to help Ruth find a husband. Ruth visits Boaz at night and asks him to care for her. Boaz promises to do what is right.
• Chapter 4 (Ruth 4:1–22)
  Boaz marries Ruth. They have a son named Obed. The book ends by showing that Obed is the grandfather of King David.

Each chapter moves the story forward. It starts with sorrow and ends with joy.

The story of Ruth still speaks to us today. Even though it happened long ago, the message is easy to understand. People today still face loss, hard choices, and the need to care for others. Ruth shows us how to live with love and trust in hard times.

Many families today deal with change and struggle. Ruth left her old life behind to care for Naomi. She teaches us that loyalty matters, even when it is difficult. Her actions remind us that faith and love are shown through what we do, not just what we say.

Ruth was also an outsider. But she was welcomed and became part of a new family. In the Church today, we are called to welcome people from all places. Ruth’s story reminds us that God’s family is wide and full of mercy.

Her simple faith, strong work, and quiet courage still shine. Ruth shows us that small acts of kindness can lead to something good. Her story is a gift for families, for those who feel alone, and for anyone learning to trust again.

The Book of Ruth is included in the Roman Catholic lectionary. It is not read often, but when it is, the message is clear and strong. The Church chooses this book to remind us of faith, family, and trust.

One of the most well-known parts is read at weddings. Ruth 1:1, 3–6, 14b–16, 22 tells how Ruth stays with Naomi. She says, “Where you go, I will go.” This shows love and loyalty. It is a good reading for couples who are starting a new life together.

Ruth 2:1–3, 8–11 and 4:13–17 is read during weekday Mass in Year I. These verses show how Ruth meets Boaz and how they become a family. It reminds us that God works through daily events, like work and marriage.

Even though it is a short book, Ruth has a special place in the Church. Her story points to Jesus, because Ruth is part of his family tree. Her faith and love are remembered in prayer and in worship.

Click on a link below to see resources and information for a specific reading:

• Friday of the 20th Week in Ordinary Time I –  Ruth 1:1, 3-6, 14b-16, 22: Ruth’s Loyalty to Naomi
• Saturday of the 20th Week in Ordinary Time I – Ruth 2:1-3, 8-11; 4:13-17: Ruth’s Blessing

Faithfulness in the Story of Ruth

In this episode of the Bible in a Year Podcast, Fr. Mike Schmitz begins reading the Book of Ruth, starting with chapter 1. He shares how the story shows God working through hard times, even when things look hopeless.

Fr. Mike points out that Ruth was a Moabite, which means she wasn’t part of God’s chosen people at first. Still, she chose to stay with Naomi and follow the Lord. Her famous words, “your God will be my God,” show her deep loyalty and love.

He explains that Ruth’s choice to join Naomi and worship the Lord shows what really matters is not background, but faith. God doesn’t reject people based on where they’re from. He welcomes those who choose Him.

Fr. Mike also reminds us that Ruth becomes the great-grandmother of King David. This means she is part of Jesus’ family line. Her story shows how God can work through unexpected people in surprising ways.

A Glimmer of Hope for Ruth

In this episode of the Bible in a Year Podcast, Fr. Mike Schmitz reflects on Ruth chapter 2. He reminds us that Ruth’s day in Boaz’s field might seem lucky, but it came after much pain. Ruth had lost her husband, father-in-law, and brother-in-law. Her life in Moab had been full of sorrow.

Fr. Mike points out that this may have been Ruth’s first good day in a long time. Boaz protects and provides for her. Ruth is finally treated with care and kindness. It is a small light after much darkness.

He explains that Ruth stayed faithful even when she didn’t know what would happen. She didn’t give up. She kept walking beside Naomi, choosing to follow the God of Israel. That quiet faith mattered.

Fr. Mike encourages us to do the same. If we are in a hard place, he says, stay faithful. A single day can bring new hope. Like Ruth, we may not see what’s coming, but God is still at work.

The Kinsman Redeemer and Ruth’s Bold Step

In this episode of the Bible in a Year Podcast, Fr. Mike Schmitz explains Ruth chapter 3 and introduces the idea of a kinsman redeemer. He says Ruth’s request to Boaz was brave. She asked him to care for her as a close relative, as the law allowed.

Fr. Mike says the kinsman redeemer, or “goel,” had important duties. He could rescue a family member from slavery, buy back lost land, or marry a childless widow to carry on the family name. Ruth fits this last part. She is a widow without children.

Ruth goes to Boaz with trust. She asks him to be her redeemer. Boaz is kind and willing, but he tells her another man is more closely related. He promises to settle the matter the next day.

Fr. Mike connects this to Jesus. Jesus is our redeemer. Like the goel in the Old Testament, Jesus gave himself to rescue us. He loves us like family and pays the price to set us free.

A Happy Ending for Ruth

In this episode of the Bible in a Year Podcast, Fr. Mike Schmitz wraps up the story of Ruth with chapter 4. He calls it a happy ending. Ruth and Boaz get married, and they have a child named Obed.

Fr. Mike points out how the elders and people bless Ruth. They pray that her family will be strong, just like the families of Rachel, Leah, and Tamar. Ruth, once a Moabite widow, is now part of Israel’s future.

He highlights how Obed becomes the grandfather of King David. This shows that Ruth, a woman from another land, is part of the line that leads to Jesus. Her faith and kindness were not forgotten.

Fr. Mike reminds us that this story ends with joy and new life. After so much sorrow, God brings hope. Ruth is honored, and Naomi is comforted. It is a simple but powerful way to show that God blesses faithfulness.

The Bible

The Bible is full of stories like Ruth’s. These stories help us learn how to live with love, faith, and trust. The Bible is not just one book. It is a collection of many books that tell how God works through people and events.

If you want to learn more, check out this resource about the Bible. It explains the different parts of the Bible and how to start reading it. This is a great way to grow in faith and learn more about God’s word.

Who was Ruth?

Ruth was a woman from Moab. She was not born an Israelite, but she married into an Israelite family. After her husband died, she stayed with her mother-in-law Naomi and moved to Bethlehem.

Why is Ruth important in the Bible?

Ruth showed great love and loyalty to Naomi. She also became the great-grandmother of King David. This means she is part of the family line that leads to Jesus.

What does the Book of Ruth teach us?

It teaches us to stay faithful, even when life is hard. It shows that love and kindness matter. It also reminds us that God welcomes everyone.

Where can I find Ruth in the Bible?

The Book of Ruth is in the Old Testament, right after Judges. It is only four chapters long and easy to read.

Is Ruth mentioned at Mass?

Yes, parts of Ruth are read at weekday Mass and sometimes at weddings. Her words of love and loyalty are remembered in the Church.

The Book of Ruth is a short story in the Old Testament. It takes place during the time of the judges, a period when life in Israel was hard and uncertain. The story begins with Naomi, whose husband and sons die while they are living in a foreign land. One of her daughters-in-law, Ruth, chooses to stay with her and return to Bethlehem.

Ruth’s choice is full of courage. She says she will go wherever Naomi goes and follow her God. In Bethlehem, Ruth works in the fields to gather grain for food. She meets Boaz, a kind man who owns the field. Boaz makes sure she is safe and treats her with respect.

Later, Boaz marries Ruth. They have a son named Obed, who becomes the grandfather of King David. This makes Ruth part of the family line of Jesus. Her story reminds us that God works through everyday life, even when things seem small or quiet.

Ruth’s story is about trust, love, and doing what is right. It teaches us that simple actions, like caring for others and staying loyal, can lead to new blessings. Ruth is remembered in the Church as a woman of faith who became part of God’s plan.

Take a few minutes to read the Book of Ruth. It is short, just four chapters, but full of meaning. You will meet people who lived with kindness and trust during a hard time. You will also see how Ruth’s small choices made a big difference.

Have you ever been in a situation like Ruth or Naomi? Have you had to stay loyal or care for someone in need? Share your thoughts in the comment section. Your story might help someone else reflect on their own faith journey.