B 146 - Pentecost 24 (Proper 27)

Rachel and Fran continue exploring the beautiful but enigmatic and challenging story of Ruth, focusing on 3:1-6; 4:13-17. We note the lengths to which Naomi had to go to secure her and Ruth’s future; we highlight the euphemistic language in the text, and underline the theme of redemption that runs through the whole narrative. We question the moralistic assumptions the tradition has read into the characters, and whether such judgements distract from the theological power of the story. Mark 12: 38-44 takes up the theme of caring for widows and the hypocrisy of religious institutions; with Ruth this passage calls the community out of economic complacency. What is it to offer all of our lives?