Thursday of the Ninth Week in Ordinary Time
(Tobit 6:10-11.7:1bcde.9-17.8:4-9ª); Mark 12:28-34)
In case anyone is wondering Tobias does survive his wedding
night with Sarah. Presumably they enjoyed
a long, happy marriage. Although the
Book of Tobit cannot stand up in importance to Genesis or the prophet Isaiah,
it does confirm significant truths.
First, the story of Tobias and Sarah underscores the
goodness of sexual love in the context of marriage. Where spouses have a permanent, exclusive
commitment to one another, their physical union brings them spiritually closer. If a child results, she or he is more likely
to be raised in a supportive environment.
Second, the story also demonstrates the capacity of prayer to secure
divine support. God knows human needs
without the person praying telling Him.
Nevertheless, prayer opens the human soul to discern God’s loving action.
Many marriages nowadays are almost as frightening as the one
between Tobias and Sarah. There is less social support to assure stability. Yet marriage is still invaluable for both the
couple and society. The couple makes a
commitment that will help each mature. Society
is strengthened as the couple set down roots that bring about growth in number
and virtue.
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