Ruth 2:1-3, 8-11; 4:13-17 / Matthew 23:1-12
The word retribution has this meaning of punishment inflicted on someone as vengeance for a wrong or criminal act.
But retribution is just one of the negative expressions of that rule of life that tells us not to do unto others what we do not want others to do unto us.
Another expression of that rule of life is vindication, which has a more positive aspect.
It means that for the good that we do, we will be recognized and rewarded along the way.
In the 1st reading, when Ruth asked Boaz how had she so earned his favour that he took notice of her, he said this to her:
I have been told all you have done for your mother-in-law since your husband’s death, and how you left your own father and mother and the land where you were born to come among a people whom you knew nothing about before you came.
For Ruth, it was a vindication moment for her for the love and the good that she had done for Naomi.
And more blessings will be bestowed on Ruth in time to come for the sacrifices she had made.
Let us believe that for all the good and the sacrifices that we have made and offered to the Lord, we will be blessed and rewarded.
Because God sees all we have done and He knows the intentions of our hearts.
Let us continue to believe in the God of love and goodness, and we will be persons of love and focused on doing good always.