Memorial of St. Boniface, bishop & martyr
The Book of Tobit is a beautiful religious novel that offers valuable insights into the post-exilic Jewish experience and into our own relationship with God. It recounts the story of Tobit, a righteous man who faced many trials and tribulations, yet remained faithful to the Mosaic Law and trusted in God’s commandments.
One significant theme in the Book of Tobit is the importance of burying the dead. Tobit demonstrates deep compassion and reverence for the deceased by burying them properly, despite the ritual impurity he suffers and the imprisonment he faces for doing so.
In the Book of Tobit, burying the dead not only brings comfort to Tobit’s heart but also leads to his healing and restoration, as we will see at the end of the story. It becomes a catalyst for divine intervention and a means through which God’s mercy and providence are revealed. It is a testament to the spiritual and transformative power of performing acts of mercy in obedience to God’s commandments.
Why do we bury the dead? It is a corporal work of mercy that goes beyond a mere physical task. It carries profound spiritual significance. In honoring the dead, we acknowledge the sacredness of life and recognize the inherent worth of every human being, even in death. It is an act of compassion and empathy towards both the deceased and their grieving loved ones.
For Today: Death reminds us that our time on earth is limited and that we, too, will one day return to the dust from which we came. Yet, as Christians, we believe in the resurrection of the body. By engaging in this act of mercy, we deepen our understanding of the sanctity of life and affirm our belief in the unfolding of God’s plan for human salvation.
Reflection by Br. Luke Kral, OSB
Posted in Articles for Ordinary Time, Daily Reflections