Tobit said, "God bless you, brother." Then he called his son and said to him: "My son, prepare whatever you need for the journey, and set out with your kinsman. May God in heaven protect you on the way and bring you back to me safe and sound; and may his angel accompany you for safety, my son." Before setting out on his journey, Tobiah kissed his father and mother. Tobit said to him, "Have a safe journey." (Tobit 5: 17)

Another translation offers, "may his angel accompany you both..."

This scene has been experienced by most of us. Summer camp, college, marriage, military service... whatever the cause, the time has come for the child to leave home. Typically the child is enthusiastic, the parents less so.

The enthusiasm and the anxiety are each rooted in a sense of autonomy.

The author of Tobit suggests God is always with us, usually in ways we cannot recognize. An archangel has been specifically assigned to the task well before Tobit - rather perfunctorily - prays for angelic care.

Which is more poignant, our sense of autonomy or our blindness to God's presence?

Above is Tobias Saying Goodbye to his Father by William-Adolpe Bouguereau.