Saturday, February 23, 2008



So Raphael, together with the four servants and two camels, traveled to Rages in Media, where they stayed at Gabael's house. Raphael gave Gabael his bond and told him about Tobit's son Tobiah, and that he had married and was inviting him to the wedding celebration. Gabael promptly checked over the sealed moneybags, and they placed them on the camels. The following morning they got an early start and traveled to the wedding celebration. When they entered Raguel's house, they found Tobiah reclining at table. He sprang up and greeted Gabael, who wept and blessed him, exclaiming: "O noble and good child, son of a noble and good, upright and charitable man, may the Lord grant heavenly blessing to you and to your wife, and to your wife's father and mother. Blessed be God, because I have seen the very image of my cousin Tobit! (Tobit 9:5-6)

The task assigned to Tobiah has been achieved. Tobit's treasure is reclaimed from Gabael.

Tobiah's journey had its origin in his father's desperation. God heard Tobit's prayer for death. The prayer's answer is far beyond Tobit's expectation.

God also heard Sarah's prayer for death. Once again, God's response is beyond anything she could have conceived.

God's response has, however, depended on the courage and commitment of Tobiah. Raphael has inspired. But God's will has required Tobiah to act.

Tobiah is faithful to his father. Otherwise the journey simply unfolds and God's intent is accomplished as Tobiah deals with each encounter.

Above is Tobiah and Raphael by Andrea del Verrocchio.

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