death in the family
"Both Mahlon and Chilion died also, and the woman was left with neither her two sons nor her husband." —Ruth 1:5
All the men in Naomi's family died, her husband and two married sons. Under these circumstances, many would despair and their lives would fall apart. But, by God's power, death in the family can become life-giving and lift the family to new heights of love and grace.
For example, Ruth could rise above her grief at her husband's death to exhibit a faithfulness to her mother-in-law, a prophetic example of our heavenly Father's faithfulness. When Ruth left her homeland with her mother-in-law, she committed social suicide. According to the customs of the time, she threw away her future and condemned herself to abject poverty. However, by a miraculous turn of events, Ruth married Boaz and became the great-grandmother of King David (Ru 4:17).
A mourning and bereft family was used mightily in God's salvation plan. A widow traumatized by the deaths of husband, father-in-law, and brother-in-law gave life and prepared the way for Jesus the Messiah. God turns all things, even death, to the good for those who love Him (Rm 8:28).
Prayer: Father, thank You for Brother Death through which life enters the world. Console and heal the grieving. We trust You.
Promise: " 'You shall love the Lord your God with your whole heart, with your whole soul, and with all your mind.' This is the greatest and first commandment." —Mt 22:37-38
Praise: St. Rose was born in Lima, Peru, of Spanish descent. Leading a humble life, she is the first canonized saint of the Americas.
Reference: (Learn to love God more by reading the Bible daily. For encouragement, order, listen to, or download the following CDs or DVDs: Ignorance of Scripture is Ignorance of Christ CD 82-1 or DVD 82, How to Pray the Bible CD 82-3 or DVD 82, How to Read the Bible CD 46-3 or DVD 46, Principles of Bible Interpretation CD 79-1 or DVD 79.)
Rescript: †Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, February 15, 2019
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