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We have been following the story of Tobit for some days now. As one of my colleagues noted earlier this week, it is a love story. This is true but it is also a story of trust, faith, and mercy. The return of Tobiah to a grief-stricken mother tugged at my heartstrings. Tobiah’s total devotion to his family is noteworthy. He was so focused in returning home to assuage his parent’s fears and concerns and to “cure” his father’s blindness – his strong commitment to family and belief that God will be able to make anything happen. I was particularly struck by this story and once again the need for trust and faith. I have seen so many events around me lately that mandate our trust and faith – so this story seems delivered to me once again, when I am in most need of it. One of my relatives is awaiting surgery for a colon mass – she is in her 30s with a young child. I have prayed for her since I first heard of this but a great concern is how to support her when there is no evidence of a sustained relationship with God. I do not say this to judge – they have made their decisions about how they spend their lives. It’s just so foreign to me. I cannot imagine getting up in the morning and facing just a “regular” day without the very real presence of God/Jesus/the Holy Spirit with me. It makes me ask the question not just for them but anyone facing tragedy – how do you do it without God? In our Old Testament story, the prayers for both Tobit and Sarah result in the arrival of the angel Raphael. How many times have our prayers resulted in angels in our lives? Not with wings and such but angels nonetheless. You know, that person at just the right time, saying the right thing, a squeeze of the hand, a hug. Even a song or story -- this beautiful story brings comfort and verification of God’s love and mercy. I pray that an angel arrives in their lives and lights the way to God for them . . . Although we have left Easter season, the glow is still there – maybe it is the pleasant weather and continued blooming of flowers everywhere. The praise of the psalm is so appropriate. I have been listening to a new Christian radio station. It seems lately every time I am in the car, two specific songs play. I am convinced that these are our modern psalms of praise and that I need to be hearing the particular message. The chorus of one is so perfect: My Savior loves, My Savior lives You hear the chorus at least six times in the song and I feel totally reassured by the time the song is done! One last thought – today is the feast of St. Boniface. An early bishop in the church, he was determined to serve Christ in spite of the risks to his very being. The following are excerpts of one of his letters: I love the Lord for he has heard the cry of my appeal; May we all continue to walk in the presence of the Lord. |