This is us
The imperfect, flawed, and compromised. The courageous, brave, and steadfast. The commitment and loss. The hope and redemption.
Ruth has a list of “defenders” who have insisted that the third chapter of text doesn’t mean what it says it does. Steinsaltz, Ruth Rabbah, Rashi and more want us to know that there was no funny business going on between Ruth and Boaz that night when she went down to visit him and uncovered his “feet.” Perhaps they are correct and that there was no seduction or sexual intercourse occurring that evening prior to Boaz’s redeeming effort. And perhaps we are wise to welcome these defenders of Ruth for other women in our tradition do not receive this degree of character reference (it seems that women who become mothers of distinguished people in the tradition (Sarai, Ruth, Mary) are defended while others such as Mary Magdalene not only go undefended, but are defamed by the tradition). But there is something more within this story not to be defended or defamed, but simply to be accepted and honored.
The story of Naomi and Ruth is a radically complicated and complex story. It is filled with loss and suffering. Abandonment and attempt to return. Impoverishment and desperation. But that is not all (it never is). Their story is also filled with love and radical commitment. Hope and beauty. Kindness and abundance. Wisdom and cleverness. And yes, it is a story that also includes the potential of a sexual ethic that was freer than culture advised or even one that was utilized as leverage to benefit Ruth and Naomi. Must we defend? Must we defame?
It is something of a spiritual practice to move through this story accompanying Naomi and Ruth without judgment. If we have not been in such a place before, can we empathize and seek to understand? Can we reserve judgment if we believe we did make a different choice (or would have tried to make a different choice)? Can we recognize the need and perhaps limitation of choice entirely? Can we even affirm the interpretation that this was exactly what Ruth wanted and would choose time and time again?
If we can, we may be able to sense what is holy and sacred about all of this story. And if we can see it in a story, perhaps we can then see it in ourselves as well.
For how many times do we review the story of our lives and quickly begin to defend ourselves with a litany of interpretations or reasons other than the genuine? We can defend our stories to the point of dismissing what is right in front of us. We can also defame ourselves too, judging ourselves more harshly than anyone else. But what if we could look upon our lives and story with honesty, accept and honor it all with grace, living not with perfection but with intention and care?
What a gift this would be to ourselves.
What a gift this would be to others.
Indeed, this is the sort of person we want to accompany us!
The story and journey of Naomi and Ruth not only model for us what it may look like to move through life together, but through a non-judgmental reading, it can shape us and prepare us to live with and accompany others. May we continue to be Christ’s Church, welcoming and accompanying one another all the way through this blessed journey.
Peace,
Rev. Chris McCreight
Manuscript and Video of the sermon, “Redeeming Behavior”
In Our Church and Community:
Garrettsville Farmers’ Market: Thursday @ 4-7pm
It’s that time of year when the Farmers’ Markets are up and running. In addition to Kent’s market on Saturday mornings, Garrettsville hosts a wonderful market on Thursday afternoon/evenings. Stop by to enjoy the time with friends and neighbors, and consider shopping at this and/or other markets to support our farmers.
Hiram Arts: Open Art Studio Saturday @ 1-3pm
Bring a project you are working on or try out something new. This is not a class, it is a space and time to try something you are interested in, hang out with and get to know people in your community, carve out some time for yourself. Bring a friend, have a cup of tea. See what we are about. If you do not have art supplies, come and use ours. Need suggestions about getting started, we got those too. Come and be a part of creating community through art! All are welcome.
The Hiram Farm:
Continues to welcome volunteers to participate and support the programs. Currently, there is an opportunity to help with animal care over the weekend (cows, chickens, pigs). Also, there is an opening for artists to share their creativity and guide the Farmers and Staff through a small project. Contact the Farm office @ 330-569-3441
The Church Meadow: Welcoming the Guests
Earlier this week, Isabel Kopp noticed a few guests in the emerging meadow of the church. One, two, three fawns taking rest early in the day. What a beautiful sight and what an encouraging encounter.
There are a few trails cut into the meadow for folks to walk through and observe the flora and the fauna. The next time that you’re up at the church, consider taking a few moments and a few steps through.
