Do Good and Evil Will Never Overtake You

Saturday, 10th June 2023. Read Tobit 12:1,5-15,20, Mark 12:38-44 

“Do good and evil will not overtake you.” (Tobit 12:7)

While Tobit was thinking of how to appreciate the man accompanying his son Tobias on his journey to Media, Tobit was unaware of Raphael’s identity. If we want to pay God for favours received, no amount of money can equal God’s blessing. There is no price for health, no price for the defeat of evil spirits, no price for happiness and peace (which the world cannot give), no fee for family union and so on. The best we can do is to praise God from our hearts sincerely.

There are so many essential points in Archangel Raphael’s message today: 1. Always acknowledge and reveal the works of God. 2. The Importance of kindness to others. “Do good and evil will not overtake you.” (Tobit 12:7). 3. Effective Prayer. “Prayer is good when accompanied by fasting, almsgiving, and righteousness.” (Tobit 12:8).

4. The Importance of Almsgiving. “It is better to give alms than to treasure up gold.” (Tobit 12:8) 5. Sin Brings Death to Oneself. “…but those who sin are the enemies of their own lives.” (Tobit 12:10)

6. The Intervention of Angels in our Lives. “And so, when you and your daughter-in-law Sarah prayed, I brought a reminder of your prayer before the Holy One; and when you buried the dead, I was likewise present with you… I am Raphael, one of the seven holy angels who present the prayers of the saints and enter into the presence of the glory of the Holy One.” (Tobit 12:12-14).

7. It is good to Write Books for God’s Glory. “And now give thanks to God, for I am ascending to him who sent me. Write in a book everything that has happened.” (Tobit 12:20). If this story of Tobit were never documented, it would have been lost to history. Today, we are beneficiaries of its great lessons.

In our Gospel passage this morning, Jesus praises a widow who contributed a small amount of money to the collection box. Even though this money was tiny compared to that of others, it was all she had to live on. This woman displayed great faith and trust in God’s providence in giving that money. 

Let us pray: Almighty Ever-Living God, let your holy Angels visit me in my moments of need. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Saturday of week 9 in Ordinary Time, Bible Study: Tobit 12:1,5-15,20, Mark 12:38-44)

@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu