In Moments of Joy, Prayer is also the Key.

Homily for June 8, 2017

If yesterday’s first reading was all about pain and sorrow, then today is about joy, celebration and intimacy. Behold Tobias, the son of Tobit being led by the Archangel Raphael himself to visit his kinsman Raguel whose only daughter is Sarah.

Now, it was Archangel Raphael himself who persuaded Tobias to marry Sarah saying that by so doing, he would be the one to inherit all of Raguel’s property. And lo and behold, without wasting time, the marriage was done that very day.

The part I like most about this story is that even though Archangel Raphael never told Tobias that Sarah had a history of losing her husbands on their wedding night, Tobias himself was the one who remembered to ask Sarah to get up for prayer. He could have decided to move into intimacy with her immediately but he was wise enough to pray first.

It is quite touching to know that despite the partying, the drinking, the dancing, the fun and all of what goes along with feasting, Tobias did not forget to pray. You see, most of us only remember to pray in moments of sorrow and pain. When things seem good enough, we simply switch off our prayer alarm.

Imagine what would have happened if Tobias like Sarah’s previous husbands did not go down on his knees to pray that night? If we must pray when our eyes are red with tears, then let us never forget to pray when our eyes are red with alcohol, laughter and merriment because not all that glitters is gold.

Even in moments of celebration, it is not all those who come around to laugh with you and cheer you up that are really there for your good. In short, we can never do without prayer. Prayer is the key!

We plead the blood of Jesus against all those demons who cause division in marriages, make husband and wife to quarrel or shorten the life of our beloved spouses. Amen. May no weapon fashioned against us or against our joy ever succeed in Jesus Amen.

Marriage is beautiful. It is the best atmosphere where a man and woman can express their total and complete love for one another in fulfilment of the commandment of God to love our neighbours as ourselves as Jesus affirms in today’s Gospel passage.

It is quite sad to see that the marital union which ought to be the highest expression of love has become a place of hate, suspicion, distress and war today. If you are getting more of hate than love in your marriage, then something is wrong somewhere, but then, just know that prayer is the Key!

Let us pray: Lord Jesus, even in moments of joy, may I never forget to pray. Amen.

*Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Thursday of the 9th Week in Ordinary Time. Bible Study: Tobit 6:10-11,7:9-14,8:4-9 and Mark 12:28-34).*

Fr. Abu.

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