Angels’ Role Between God and Men – Jun 10 – Homily – Fr John Lawrence

 

Fr John Lawrence gives the homily at Bloomington, IN on Jun 10, 2023, on how the final events of the Book of Tobit and the revelation of Raphael's identity, the role of angels in the interplay between grace from God and our own cooperation in the form of good works, prayers, and alms, in our growth in sanctity and corresponding reward in heaven and often in this world as well.

Tobiah and Tobit, after celebrating Tobiah's marriage and Tobit's healing, attempt to reward their companion, Raphael, not knowing his true identity as an angel. Raphael discloses who he is, emphasizing that all his assistance was God's doing, not for any material reward. He advises them on the importance of doing good deeds, implying that for those who love God, adversities can lead to better outcomes.

Raphael advocates for almsgiving, suggesting it becomes truly valuable when paired with righteousness, an aspect disregarded by the scribes in the gospel. The angel underscores the significant roles of prayer, fasting, and mercy, the primary works of serving God. He points out that almsgiving, a practical act of charity, is a concrete proof of love and kindness.

Raphael discloses his duties in Tobit's life, revealing that his prayers and good works were presented before God. He explains his role as a test to Tobit, stressing that God scolds before showing mercy, a method implemented through Raphael's intervention. He further enlightens them about the importance of praising God and recording their experiences, hinting at the origins of the book of Tobit.

The homily connects Tobit's blindness and eventual praise of God to the Jewish people's anticipated acknowledgment of Christ. Tobit's trials and eventual happiness symbolize the joys after worldly tribulations, and his warning to his son about Nineveh's impending fall parallels the end-time teachings of the converted Jewish. Praised be Jesus and Mary, now and forever.

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00:00 – Introduction and Celebration of Tobiah's Marriage
00:58 – Raphael's True Identity and Teachings
02:11 – Importance of Prayer, Fasting, and Almsgiving
03:06 – Raphael's Secrets and the Role of Angels
04:35 – Tobit's Song of Praise and Predictions for the Jewish People

Ave Maria!

Mass: Saturday 9th Week of Ordinary Time - Wkdy
Readings:  - http://usccb.org/bible/readings/061023.cfm
1st: tob 12:1, 5-15, 20
Resp: tob 13:2, 6
Gsp: mar 12:38-44

More on the Readings: https://airmaria.com/r?m=1412

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