"Blessed are those who fear the Lord."- PS 128:1
Our readings today are a good example of how universal the lessons in our Scriptures can be. That is, from our 21st century perspective, we can see connections because we have knowledge of the days since Jesus lived among His people. The daily Mass readings are laid out on parallel paths with a continuous selection of an Old Testament book side by side with a walk through a New Testament Gospel with a particular evangelist and the Responsorial Psalm, a link between the two.
Today it's the story of Tobias and Sarah. On their wedding night, Sarah's father frankly lays out his daughter's story for Tobias. "I have given her in marriage to seven men, and all died on the very night they approached her." As our hearts quake for the poor fellow, the psalmist reminds us: "Your wife will be like a fruitful vine, your children like olive plants around your table." Then, in the Gospel, we hear Jesus say to us: "Hear, O Israel! You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart... all your understanding, all your strength, and love your neighbor as yourself."
But Tobias and his future father-in-law did not have the advantage of these reassuring words "your wife, fruitful vine, your children like olive plants." Sarah and Tobias are powerful examples of risk takers. Tobias knew only that seven men ahead of him had died on their wedding nights. Sarah risked taking to her bed one more man presented to her by her trusting father.
This is a story you'll want to read for yourself in the Book of Tobit. Listen with your heart as Tobias and Sarah pray: "O God, praised be your name... call down your mercy on me and on Sarah, and allow us to live together to a happy old age. Together they said: "Amen, amen." And went to bed for the night." Such trust! In our pandemic times, how many people are voicing similar prayers as they lay down for the night. They risk trusting that God will protect their loved ones and be with the dying. We pray in Psalm 128: "Blessed are those who trust in God."
Reflect on a time when you "Let go" and "Let God."
Please God, help me to live the words I pray: Amen. Amen. Blessed are those who trust in God.
Reflection by:
Sr. Roberta Bailey, OSB
Did You Know...
Sister Roberta Bailey, OSB, is currently the prioress (president) of the Benedictine Sisters of Florida in Saint Leo. Sister serves on the diocesan Commission for Religious. She is the former principal of St. Anthony Catholic School in San Antonio, Florida, and Saint John Paul II Catholic School in Lecanto, Florida. Sister Roberta is celebrating her 61st year in religious life.
