Readings for Feb. 15-16, Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time
By Lyn Zahorik | For On Mission
The Gospel for this Sunday has been referred to as the “Sermon of Blessings and Woes.” What a conundrum: how can we “rejoice and be glad” when we are enduring difficult situations?
I have a greater understanding of this mystery now that I have met Ruth. She is one of the people in our homeless community and we have chatted on occasion.
On a frigid morning last month, I forced myself from my warm home and made an early morning run to the pharmacy. Ruth was walking through the parking lot. Her cheeks were red from the cold, but she wore her usual bright smile.
“How are you doing today, Ruth?” I asked. “I am great,” Ruth replied. “I managed to get a bed at the shelter last night and it felt g-o-o-d.”
“But Ruth,” I continued, “it’s so cold out. Why did you leave the shelter early?”
“Well,” Ruth said, “I have to make the rounds where my friends sleep and make sure they made it through the night. I have an orange for each of them so that they will have something to eat. I have to keep going, honey, but remember to pray for me.”
I watched as Ruth, a living Gospel, walked away from me.
Ruth has been homeless for many years and always exhibits a respect for the rights and dignity of all individuals. She is not in a position to write to her government leaders or attend rallies or go on marches, but she knows that, if she has two oranges, she needs to give one away to someone else who is in need.
Being poor in life is not making Ruth bitter, rather she is filled in spirit with profound gratitude for simple things, such as getting a bed at the shelter. She is also the hands and heart of Jesus as she makes her daily Blessing rounds, checking on her friends who, through the long, cold night, only had shelter out of doors.
Many homeless people are subjected to abuse, judgement and the dismissive attitude of others. Ruth lives out mercy as she offers forgiveness, kindness and a willingness to extend grace — even to those who may not deserve it.
Ruth “sees” the people around her and offers each one her smile, her contribution to creating a more compassionate and loving world.
As we read “Ruth’s gospel,” we learn that even in the midst of woe, we can claim a blessing.
This type of attitude involves being mindful of our actions and their impact on others. It requires us to invite grace, resilience, kindness and humanity into our everyday selves, despite facing difficult circumstances.
If we genuinely want to be people who “rejoice and leap for joy,” even as we experience sorrow or exclusion, then we need to be more like Ruth.
And let’s not forget to pray for one another. Ruth would like that.
Zahorik is director for spiritual engagement at St. Mary Parish, Omro, and St. Mary Parish, Winneconne.
The readings for Sunday, Feb. 9, can be found at Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time | USCCB.