Ruth - The Story of our Redemption

Ruth session 4, chapter 4Ruth 4:1-10The meetingBoaz meets are the city gates: key place of meeting for passing of laws commerce.Gates in ancient world were a place of protection from enemiesBoaz joins the elders: well respected men of the community.Boaz’s sacrificial love for Ruth will make it possible to redeem Ruth. See 2Cor.5:17Sandal-sealing of the deal; also, Boaz takes possession of the land.Ruth 4:11-22The people prayed for Ruth and Boaz: grace moved them to intercede.The child born to Ruth is a child of destiny.The Lord provided a redeemer for Naomi and Ruth. Christ is the redeemerprovided for the world.Naomi would be restored after her losses. She too becomes a new creation.Genealogy of this family line reminds us of the time of Boaz was a time of the Judges: a time of corruption and moral depravity. But this story shows us God has a plan and is at work.Boaz’s role:Prefigures Christ as kinsmen-redeemerBoaz purchases the land to redeem the members of his brother’s household.Christ’s ministry set free the captives. See Lk. 4:16-21.Boaz brings Ruth into the family as a daughter of Israel: inherited of the blessingsof the covenant. Through the passion, death, resurrection of Jesus Christ and the outpouring of the Spirit-we become sons and daughters of the Father: heirs of God, co-heirs of Christ.Boaz takes Ruth as his wife; Christ takes the Church as his bride.See the Catechism of the Church: #437; 1821; 227.+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++Why did Boaz choose to meet at the city gates with the Elders?The next of kin chose not to take the land. Why? What other person in the Book of Ruthreflects this man’s character?The blessings upon the marriage of Boaz and Ruth included references to Leah andRachel. Why?When have you seen obedience to the will of God in your life bear fruit in your life?“Few souls understand what God would accomplish in them if they were to abandon themselves unreservedly to Him and if they were to allow his grace to hold them accordingly.” St. Ignatius of Loyola