FRIDAY OF THE NINTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME - 2021

DAILY HOLY MASS READINGS

If anyone loves me he will keep my word,
and my Father will love him,
and we shall come to him. JN 14:23

TOBIT 11:5-17 ©

My Soul's Beloved,

God waits for us to come home with the longing of both a father and mother. Like the father in the parable of the Prodigal Son, he comes running down the road when He sees us from the distance with arms wide open to embrace us and restore all we had turned our backs on. And like Anna who sat watching the road waiting with aching love for her son Tobias to come home. She too spots him in the distance and announces his return.

As for the Angel Raphael, whom God sent to accompany Tobias, reassured him that all would be well with his aged father Tobit, his sight would be restored. He would be able to see and look on the light. Sin films the eyes of our soul but repentance restores our sight and we can once again behold Your light, my Lord.

Just like the father in the parable of the prodigal son, the mother runs forward and throws her arms around her son. She is content because her child has returned home safely. God loves sinners and saints equally and rejoices when they return safely home to the place of rest He has prepared for them.

The tender love of Tobias for both his parents is one that we all can admire and imitate. Tobias was the joy, strength, and comfort of his parents in their old age. God will reward mightily those who do not abandon their parents when they grow old.

Tobit's sight was restored and he gave praise and glory to God. Every gift comes from You, and we must never fail to give glory, praise, and honor to You from whom all blessings flow.

Tobit obeyed his father and did all that his father asked of him and God rewarded him for it. There is no Son more perfect than You. In obedience to the Father's will, You endured humiliation, persecution, rejection, and death on the Cross and taught us that it is by way of suffering that we will inherit a crown. 

Sons and daughters who do not cause their aged parents grief but fill them with pride and joy because their children did not forsake them will draw God's favor on them and their children.

Tobias and Sarah were the delight of Tobit and Anna in their old age and God rained blessings on them. So too, when our earthly journey comes to a close God will welcome us home with a great feast in the company of the angels and the saints.

PSALM 146:2,7-10 ©

My Soul's Beloved,

This is the time, this is the hour, this is the moment when we can be counted among those who have not seen yet believe, to praise and thank You, and to make music to You by choosing to live holy lives. 

Today we walk by faith, not by sight. Today we have the opportunity to live the Beatitudes. Today is the day we are given we cannot count on being given tomorrow - whatever good we can do, let's do it today.

You desire us to have a burden on our hearts when we bring the needs of those who are suffering to You in prayer. We ought to feel empathy, compassion, and a desire to be willing to do what is within our power to offer comfort. You have a very special love for the stranger, the widow, and the orphan and You invite us to do the same.

Today will come to a close. Tomorrow is not guaranteed to anyone. But You desire that the just live and reign with You forever. You have shown us the Way to eternity, grant us the grace, the courage, and the will to walk in it.