Voices of Mercy

 Ruth 2:1-16 and Luke 12: 13-21 are appointed for Proper 14B in the Women's Lectionary for the Whole Church

Voices Found #85

Circle the table, hands now extend. 

Welcome a stranger,

greet a new friend. 

Open your circle, let it expand.

Welcome God's children from faraway lands.

Words: Mary Nelson Keithahn

Music: World Wide Communion, John D. Horman

Boaz, a relative of Naomi,  welcomed Ruth to Bethlehem even though she was a stranger from  Moab.  He was generous, offering  food and water from his table as he protected her from  abuse on his land.  He honored her kindness and faithfulness to Naomi.

Boaz said to her when it was time to eat, "Draw near, and eat from this bread, and dip your piece in the vinegar."  And she sat beside the reapers, and he handed her some roasted grain; and she ate and was satisfied, and she had some left over.  When Ruth got up to glean, Boaz commanded his boys, saying, "She may even glean between the sheaves, and do not humiliate her.  You must also pull some out for her from the bundles,  and leave them for her to glean.

Ruth 2:14-16, (tr. Gafney)

Reflection:

Voices Found # 80 verse 2

Bread of life, hope of the world,

Jesus Christ our brother:--feed us now, give us life,

lead us to one another.

The bread we break and share was scattered once a grain:

just as now it is gathered, make your people one.

Bread of life, hope of the world, Jesus Christ, our brother: 

feed us now, give us life, lead us to one another.

Words and Music: Bernadette Farrell (b. 1957)

Meditation:

In the gospel lesson,  Jesus warns of the evils of greed and uncharity.

God said to the rich person (who was greedy) "Fool!" This very night your soul will be demanded from you.  And the things you have prepared, whose will they be?"  So it is with those who store up treasures for themselves but are not rich toward God."

Luke 12:20-21 tr. Gafney

Voices Found offers a variety of hymns that celebrate generosity and sharing.  Here is another to ponder:

Voices Found #90

God, creator, source of healing 

here we pray for wholeness and health. 

Guide our work, our thoughts, and feelings 

guide the sharing of our wealth.

Give discernment in our decisions 

give compassion in our care; 

reconcile  our strife and divisions, 

as we search for means to share.

Words: Brigid Pailthorp

Music: Abbot's Leigh, Cyril Vincent Taylor (19-7-1991)

Mothering God, we  thank you for  abundance and loving care.  Help us share  your love and mercy at home and in and faraway lands.