Jesse Tree December 10

We add the grain of wheat to the Jesse Tree today and remember the story of Ruth and her savior Boaz who are both mentioned in the lineage of Jesus in the Gospel of St. Matthew. They made a very exclusive list! Ruth was not even an Israelite but married into the faith and as a young widow, followed her mother in law back to the Promised Land. They were destitute and Ruth gleaned in the fields of Boaz. According to the law, Ruth was allowed to glean or pick up any grain from the corner of the fields. Boaz, however, was generous and full of mercy and insisted that Ruth gather with the regular pickers. Ruth reaped from the abundance of Boaz. Eventually, Boaz married Ruth and rescued her from a life of need and want. In a similar way, Christ is our Bridegroom and presents us as his Bride, adorned in the white of His righteousness. He feeds us with the abundance of His mercy through the gift of His Church. Come Bridegroom and take us to the heavenly Nuptial Hall.

The Bridegroom soon will call us: Come, all ye wedding guests!
May not His voice appal us While slumber binds our breasts!
May all our lamps be burning And oil be found in store
That we, with Him returning May open find the door.