Think, my son, of all that Nadab did to Ahiqar, the very one who brought him up: Ahiqar went down alive into the earth! Yet God made Nadab's disgraceful crime rebound against him. Ahiqar came out again into the light, but Nadab went into the everlasting darkness, for he had tried to kill Ahiqar. Because Ahiqar had given alms to me, he escaped from the deadly trap Nadab had set for him. But Nadab himself fell into the deadly trap, and it destroyed him. So, my children, note well what almsgiving does, and also what wickedness does--it kills! But now my spirit is about to leave me." They placed him on his bed and he died; and he received an honorable burial. (Tobit 14:10-12)

Tobit was born in Galilee. Despite social and political pressure to the contrary, he worshiped in Jerusalem. Despite his faithfulness, Tobit was exiled to Nineveh after the conquest of the Northern Kingdom.

In the midst of his enemies Tobit built a new life and despite many impediments became prosperous. He practiced his faith and his responsibilites as best he knew how and was especially attentive to the ensuring burials for those killed by the unjust Assyrian king.

Tobit understood the risk he was taking. Eventually he suffered the risk, losing everything except his wife and son, fleeing Nineveh to escape the wrath of the king. Despite - really because of - doing what was right, Tobit paid a high price.

The evil king died and was succeeded by another. Tobit and his family returned to the Assyrian capital. He reestablished himself, perhaps not as well as before but well-enough to celebrate Pentecost with a fine feast.

Still injustice reigned. Still Tobit took risks to do what he could to restore justice. Despite exemplary faithfulness Tobit became blind. He became entirely dependent on others.

Tobit resented his vulnerability. Depending on his wife was a particular burden. Tobit's faithfulness continued, but he suffered from spiritual cataracts. Pride and self-righteousness complicated his relationships.

Tobit might have responded to his great loss with greater humility, instead he experienced an angry humiliation. Tobit inflamed his pride by assuming the stance of a victim and separating himself from loving relationships.

Despite his real faith and considerable spiritual insight, Tobit fell into a self-righteous trap. But he was not even aware of being trapped. A self-righteous Tobit could not know his true self, could not be in full relationship with others, and resisted a full relationship with God.

God's love for Tobit was such that even this self-righteousness was used as a tool of reconciliation. The self-righteous victim turned to God. Tobit asked for the wrong outcome - but he asked - and that was all that God needed to work a miracle.

To the left is Walking to Emmaeus by Rembrandt. Happy Easter Morning.