Tobit’s Faithful Example in Dark Times – Jun 06 – Homily – Fr John Lawrence

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Fr John Lawrence gives the homily at Bloomington, IN on Jun 06, 2023, where he continues with his reflections on Tobit from first readings this week and how Tobit continues with faithful adherence to the Jewish law, setting an example for us all.

Yesterday, we studied Tobit from the Bible, who took a risk by burying a murdered Jew, rendering himself ritually impure and, to keep from defiling his house, slept outside. An unexpected blindness from bird droppings befell him, leading him and his family into poverty. Despite trials, Tobit remained faithful, keeping his trust in God's plan, similar to the patience shown by Holy Job (https://bible.usccb.org/bible/job/1). This scenario reminded us to keep our hearts enlightened to hope in our calling, just as Tobit did.

Tobit, a descendant of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, highlighted the importance of emulating our saintly ancestors. We, as spiritual children of saints, are reminded to stay steadfast in faith and observing God's law, as Tobit did, even in trials. He held firm to righteousness even when misunderstood by his wife over a goat's possession, leading to their conflict. In despair, Tobit sought solace in prayer to God.

Saint Bede draws parallels between Tobit's blindness and the spiritual blindness of the Jews who failed to believe in the Messiah. He implores the faithful to awaken and seek Christ's light, as the Apostle urged (Eph 5:14 - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/ephesians/5?14). Tobit's money deposited in a distant city, according to Saint Bede, signifies the Old Testament scriptures, metaphorically placed with the Gentiles, who will appreciate its value upon recognizing Christ. The ultimate healing of Tobit's blindness prefigures the eventual conversion of Jews.

To deepen your understanding of the Virgin Mary, consider subscribing to the Missio Immacalatae magazine by the Franciscans of the Immaculate at https://missiomagazine.com. Ave Maria.

00:00 – Introduction
00:20 – Tobit: Tobit's Act of Kindness and its Consequences
01:53 – Tobit's Steadfast Faith and Resilience
04:31 – Tobit's Desperation and Plea to God
04:37 – Saint Bede's Mystical Interpretation: The Symbolism of Tobit's Blindness
05:55 – Tobit's Hidden Treasure
06:07 – The Prophecy of Tobit's Story

Ave Maria!

Mass: St. Norbert - Opt Mem
Readings: Tuesday 9th Week of Ordinary Time - http://usccb.org/bible/readings/060623.cfm
1st: tob 2:9-14
Resp: psa 112:1-2, 7-9
Gsp: mar 12:13-17

More on the Readings: https://airmaria.com/r?m=1087&r=1408

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