Looking Forward to Sunday: Ruth

This week we will encounter the Ruth - one of the great matriarchs of the Hebrew Bible. In the Revised Common Lectionary, we only read from the Book of Ruth two Sundays in the entire three year cycle of readings. I always think it's important to take these rare opportunities seriously, lest we forget some of the great stories, heroes, and heroines which make up the fabric of our faith.

The Book of Ruth is a story of opposites, and movement. It's the story of famine and food, barrenness and fruitfulness, fullness and emptiness, and leaving and returning. As we come to the fullness of fall and draw ever closer to Thanksgiving, these themes should be quickly recognized in our story as a nation. Those who came before us - explorers, pilgrims, and patriots knew suffering, and leanness, oppression, and hardship before America was able to rise out of the ashes and truly be a place of prosperity and freedom. Maybe you recognize these themes in your own lives as well - seasons where there were difficulty, where you 'did without,' and where you were tested and tried.

Maybe you're in one of those seasons now.

But, in the Story of God, while these themes and seasons show up again and again, there is always movement forward and upward. The Story of God never ends in desolation, death, hunger, or by a sad tomb. God always brings His people to a fuller life.

Not that such fuller life comes easily, or even quickly. But, in the end, God always provides. God always wins.

And, when God wins, we win.

I've spent a good deal of time over the last few weeks and months thinking about our parish's finances. This is a season in our church's life where there is so much to celebrate - but financial stability isn't one of those areas for us to celebrate. I see the strain on the vestry as they seek to provide for St. Mark's well, but have to constantly ask, 'Can we afford that?' 'Where's the money for that going to come from?'

I know, that as the Story of Ruth, and the Story of the Bible moves - so too will the story of St. Mark's. I believe that we are in a good place - that a good crop has been planted - and goodness knows we've had enough rain!

I'm praying for a harvest worthy of the work that God has given us to do, and in thanksgiving of all that God has blessed us with already.­

Rick+