Saturday of the Ninth Week in Ordinary Time
Bless God! Give him the praise and the glory.
The revelation of Azariah’s true identity as the angel Raphael in the Book of Tobit resolves one of the twists in this story. It unveils a profound spiritual truth: God often works in mysterious ways, using unexpected means to bring about His divine purposes.
We see the arc of the narrative: from Tobit’s work of burying the dead, through Sarah’s prayer for a husband. Tobit’s blindness was a test of his faithfulness, and it took the support of his wife Anna to endure the trial. Sarah’s curse was exorcised by prayer alongside Tobiah, as prompted by the angel Raphael. From blindness to sight, death to life, this story has a wonderful plot and holy conclusion.
The Book of Tobit presents us with a rich tapestry of interconnected narratives. The convergence of the storylines reveals that the acts of obedience and prayer, seemingly unrelated, are intricately linked in God’s plan. It reminds us that our actions, even small and insignificant, can have far-reaching effects and contribute to the greater work of God’s redemptive love.
For Today: Azariah’s revelation as the angel Raphael teaches us the profound truth that God’s ways are beyond our comprehension, and His interventions often come in unexpected disguises. May the lessons from Tobit’s story deepen our faith, foster our trust in God’s providence, and ignite within us a desire to be faithful instruments of His love and mercy in the world.
Reflection by Br. Luke Kral, OSB
Posted in Articles for Ordinary Time, Daily Reflections