Catholic Scripture Study International: The Book of Ruth
Overview
Includes four lessons with suggested responses and commentary on the biblical text.
The Book of Ruth—while only four chapters in length—is one of the most moving accounts in the Bible. A story of love and loyalty, you will be amazed by the many layers and depths of meaning packed into this little love story!
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- Closely studies the book of Ruth chapter-by-chapter
- Comes with study questions for group study and individual testing
- Includes a Group Leader Guide to assist leaders in facilitating discussion
Top Highlights
“Moab was a son of Abraham’s nephew Lot, whose conception resulted from an incestuous relationship between Lot and his eldest daughters while he was in a drunken stupor.” (Page 7)
“It also serves to show how peaceful and orderly society can work when the people follow the laws of God and fulfill their obligations to self, God, and the community.” (Page 2)
“Ruth looks to Naomi, and for the first time we hear the words of Ruth as she resolutely pledges to follow Naomi. Ruth gracefully states, ‘Entreat me not to leave you or to return from following you; for where you go I will go, and where you lodge I will lodge; your people shall be my people, and your God my God; where you die I will die, and there will I be buried. May the Lord do so to me and more also if even death parts me from you’ (Ruth 1:16–17).” (Page 9)
“Ruth 1:22), which takes place in the spring and suggests they probably arrive in April. Might it be significant that Ruth the Gentile arrives during the barley and wheat harvest, which is followed by Pentecost, the Feast of Ingathering? Is there a deeper meaning here in light of the full revelation of Jesus Christ and redemption as disclosed in the New Covenant?” (Pages 17–18)
“Jesus harvested us from the fields ripe unto harvest and took us as his bride, the Church. Might not the arrival of Naomi and Ruth in Bethlehem at ‘the beginning of barley harvest’ be seen as a foreshadowing of the reunion of Jew and Gentile into the New Covenant family of God, gathered together by the Risen Jesus Christ?” (Page 18)
This Bible study program is rooted in sound biblical scholarship and in the Church’s magisterium. I hope you will welcome and support this important Bible study program in your parishes.
—Most Rev. Peter Jugis, bishop, Charlotte
This program covers all the desirable bases—thorough textual analysis and exegesis, stimulating questions to engage the individual subscriber, and direct and faithful connections of what has been studied to the Catechism, and to the magisterial writings of the Church. I can easily assure any pastor, that this program will not only enhance the spiritual lives of your people individually, but also the level of spiritual vitality of your parish.
—Most Rev. John F. Donoghue, archbishop emeritus, Atlanta
- Title: Catholic Scripture Study International: The Book of Ruth
- Author: Steve Ray
- Series: Catholic Scripture Study International Studies
- Publisher: Catholic Scripture Study International
- Publication Date: 2012
- Pages: 60
Reviews
1 rating
NB.Mick
10/14/2013
Very nice! This resource is a classical bible study resource, which gives ample background information for the text (such as ancient agricultural processes, the levirate marriage law etc), the usual study questions which can be answered from the text or other biblical references and some deeper questions for reflection. Since this is a catholic resource, one will find a "from rome to home " section with quotes from a recent pope, some quotes of church fathers/well-known techers such as Aquinas and a section with CCC links for further study. A non-RC user of this resource might find the quotes beneficial regardless of their denominational heritage and look into the CCC for curiosity (or disregard this section). The exegetical/pastoral insights in the overall introduction and the "points to ponder" section, which give the commentary on Ruth, focus on the character of the protagonists and time and again remind us of the role of Ruth in the history of God's plan of salvation. I learnt some things and got reminded of some forgotten/buried ones as well. The really very affordable resource includes not only the Logos file (including fill-in the blank boxes and some b/w-pictures of agricultural life in the pre-modern Near East), but also PDF versions of the Lessons (probably meant to print out for study group participants - the suggested responses come in a separate PDF file) and a Group Leader handbook. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this for non-RC study groups or people who want to dive into the book of Ruth by themselves.
