Daily Mass Readings – Saturday, 21 August 2027

1 Now her husband Elimelech had a kinsman, a powerful man, and very rich, whose name was Booz.

2 And Ruth the Moabitess said to her mother in law: If thou wilt, I will go into the field, and glean the ears of corn that escape the hands of the reapers, wheresoever I shall find grace with a householder that will be favourable to me. And she answered her: Go, my daughter.

3 She went therefore and gleaned the ears of corn after the reapers. And it happened that the owner of that field was Booz, who was of the kindred of Elimelech.

8 And Booz said to Ruth: Hear me, daughter, do not go to glean in any other field, and do not depart from this place: but keep with my maids,

9 And follow where they reap. For I have charged my young men, not to molest thee: and if thou art thirsty, go to the vessels, and drink of the waters whereof the servants drink.

10 She fell on her face and worshipping upon the ground, said to him: Whence cometh this to me, that I should find grace before thy eyes, and that thou shouldst vouchsafe to take notice of me a woman of another country?

11 And he answered her: All hath been told me, that thou hast done to thy mother in law after the death of thy husband: and how thou hast left thy parents, and the land wherein thou wast born, and art come to a people which thou knewest not heretofore.

4:13 Booz therefore took Ruth, and married her: and went in unto her, and the Lord gave her to conceive and to bear a son.

14 And the women said to Noemi: Blessed be the Lord, who hath not suffered thy family to want a successor, that his name should be preserved in Israel.

15 And thou shouldst have one to comfort thy soul, and cherish thy old age. For he is born of thy daughter in law: who loveth thee: and is much better to thee, than if thou hadst seven sons.

16 And Noemi taking the child laid it in her bosom, and she carried it, and was a nurse unto it.

17 And the women her neighbours, congratulating with her and saying: There is a son born to Noemi: called his name Obed: he is the father of Isai, the father of David.

R. (4) See how the Lord blesses those who fear him.

1 Blessed are all they that fear the Lord: that walk in his ways.

2 For thou shalt eat the labours of thy hands: blessed art thou, and it shall be well with thee.

R. See how the Lord blesses those who fear him.

3 Thy wife as a fruitful vine, on the sides of thy house.

R. See how the Lord blesses those who fear him.

4 Behold, thus shall the man be blessed that feareth the Lord.

R. See how the Lord blesses those who fear him.

5 May the Lord bless thee out of Sion: and mayest thou see the good things of Jerusalem all the days of thy life.

R. See how the Lord blesses those who fear him.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

9b, 10b You have but one Father in heaven; you have but one master, the Christ.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

1 Then Jesus spoke to the multitudes and to his disciples,

2 Saying: The scribes and the Pharisees have sitten on the chair of Moses.

3 All things therefore whatsoever they shall say to you, observe and do: but according to their works do ye not; for they say, and do not.

4 For they bind heavy and insupportable burdens, and lay them on men’s shoulders; but with a finger of their own they will not move them.

5 And all their works they do for to be seen of men. For they make their phylacteries broad, and enlarge their fringes.

6 And they love the first places at feasts, and the first chairs in the synagogues,

7 And salutations in the market place, and to be called by men, Rabbi.

8 But be not you called Rabbi. For one is your master; and all you are brethren.

9 And call none your father upon earth; for one is your father, who is in heaven.

10 Neither be ye called masters; for one is your master, Christ.

11 He that is the greatest among you shall be your servant.

12 And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be humbled: and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.

Ruth’s faithfulness is quiet and practical. She leaves her homeland, cares for Naomi, and humbly gathers what remains in another person’s field. Boaz notices this hidden fidelity and responds with protection and generosity. Through their obedience and care, the Lord brings new life and preserves a family’s future. The psalm’s blessing belongs to those who fear the Lord by walking in his ways, allowing reverence for God to shape ordinary actions.

Jesus warns against a different kind of religious life: one concerned with being seen, honored, and called important while placing burdens on others. Since there is one Father and one Master, no disciple needs to build an identity on status. Greatness is found in service, and humility is more trustworthy than impressive appearances. Ruth and Boaz show what this looks like: faithful love expressed through concrete responsibility. We can live the same truth by serving without seeking recognition, making another person’s burden lighter, and remembering that every gift and position remains under God’s authority.

Father in heaven, keep us close to you, our one true source of life and dignity. Deliver us from the desire to be admired or treated as important. Give us Ruth’s faithful heart, willing to serve with patience, and Boaz’s generosity toward those who need protection and kindness. Through Jesus Christ, our one Master, teach us to carry responsibility without pride and to notice the quiet goodness of others. May our words and actions agree, and may our service bring comfort rather than burdens. Form in us a humble love that seeks your glory. Amen.