Thursday of the Ninth Week in Ordinary Time

Today's Mass Readings

In the intriguing narrative of the Book of Tobit, the angel Raphael plays a central role under the guise of Azariah, son of Hananiah the elder, one of Tobit’s own kinsmen. This hidden identity adds a layer of mystery and suspense to the story and reminds me of the plot twists and intrigue found in a good spy novel. Raphael’s mission is not one of espionage, but rather of divine assistance, as he aids Tobiah in retrieving his father’s money and, at the same time, bringing healing both to Tobit’s blindness and Sarah’s curse.

Raphael’s covert intervention inspires some spiritual reflections. As Azariah, Raphael discreetly guides Tobiah, imparting wisdom and providing protection along their journey. They stop at the house of Raguel, the father of Sarah who is suffering as a childless widow. It is there that Tobiah asks for the hand of Sarah, who turns out to be his most rightful wife—a match made in heaven! Just as a skilled spy knows the intricacies of his mission, Raphael skillfully orchestrates events to ensure the success of God’s master plan.

For Today: In our Christian worldview, our lives are not simply a series of random occurrences, but rather a tapestry woven by God. Raphael’s assistance reveals a larger, divine plan unfolding. It reminds us that even in our own lives, when faced with seemingly insurmountable situations, there may be unseen forces at work, guiding us towards redemption and a higher purpose.

Reflection by Br. Luke Kral, OSB