A WORD FOR TODAY 26 AUGUST 2023

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*A WORD FOR TODAY*

*DOING GOOD PREPARES YOU FOR FAVOUR*

_...“Why have I found favor in your eyes, that you should take notice of me, when I am a foreigner?” But Boaz answered her, “All that you have done for your mother-in-law since the death of your husband has been fully told me...”(Ruth 2:10‭-‬11)_ ‬‬‬‬

_*My dear friend, it is another weekend and we bless God so much for his mercies and graces. Today, we continue to reflect on the powerful story of Ruth and Naomi. We already saw how Ruth was compassionate towards Naomi and showed her a sympathetic and active love. Today, the first reading shows us how Ruth’s goodness had positioned her to be favoured. Our opening verse portrays this most explicitly.*_

_it is usually said that what goes around comes around. We also say that a good name is better than riches and can open doors which money cannot open. This was exactly the experience of Ruth. While she was kind to Naomi, she had no idea that such light can not be hidden. People knew about it and formed favourable opinion about her. Her good virtues went before her like a sweet fragrance._

_*Dear child of God, there is encouragement for us in Ruth’s story. Her end was filled with many pleasantries which she may not have got if she had not loved Naomi in a special way. Although we do charity freely without thinking of reward, it is a precept that generous people are always rewarded by our most generous God. Hence, we must not be tired of doing good.*_

_Doing good prepares you for favour. Doing good is like sowing seeds which will later be harvested abundantly. Anyone who does charity is practising the goodnews and is unlike the Scribes and Pharisees which Jesus reprimanded in the Gospel for making a show out of the good things which they did_

_*As we finish up the works remaining for the week and also retire and relax, I want us to take some time to reaffirm our desire to do good, not only because we fear God and love charity but also because doing good pays: it is a way to build insurance of our future before the eyes of God*_

_Good morning dearest one. Smile 😊 dearest one! Be happy and make sure you do have a splendid weekend. *And may the Almighty God bless you: the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen.*_

*Meditation:* Ruth 2:1–3, 8–11; 4:13–17/Psalm 128:1b–2, 3, 4, 5/Matthew 23:1–12

*Watch-Word:* See how the Lord blesses those who fear him.

_*Blessed are you who fear the LORD, who walk in his ways! For you shall eat the fruit of your handiwork; blessed shall you be, and favored.*_

(Saturday of the Twentieth week in ordinary time.)

*©ï¸ Rev. Fr. Augustine Eleke*