4 June 2021
Before them all, Tobit acknowledged that God had been merciful to him and had restored his sight. When Tobit met Sarah the wife of his son Tobias, he blessed her saying, ‘Come in, my daughter, and welcome. Blessed be your God who has brought you to us, my daughter. Blessed be your father and your mother, blessed be my son Tobias, and blessed be you, my daughter. Come in now to your home, and welcome, with blessing and joy. Come in, my daughter.’ So on that day there was rejoicing among all the Jews who were in Nineveh.
Tobit 11:5-17, NRSV
Upon his return home to Nineveh, Tobias was given instructions by the angel Raphael about how to cure his father’s blindness. Tobias followed these instructions and Tobit’s sight was restored. Tobit now had much to celebrate. Not only was his son home again bringing with him money he had recovered on his father’s behalf, but he could see again and now had a new daughter in law to welcome into his family. Tobit’s first response to his change in fortune was to praise God and give thanks for the mercy shown to him. He then wasted no time in welcoming Sarah and in preparing a feast not only for his own family but for all the Jews of Nineveh.
- What do Tobit’s actions show about his faith in God?
- What can we take from Tobias’ attitude to God’s mercy?
Reflect on and give thanks for the ways in which God blesses your life.
Image – The Healing of Tobit -Jan Massijs
