9th Week in Ordinary Time : Thursday 3rd June 2021

The first reading today continues the story of Tobit’s son, Tobias and his friend, Azarias, who, unknown to them, is the angel, Raphael. Upon entering Ecbatana, Tobias and Raphael visit the home of Raguel, the father of Sarah. As instructed by Raphael, Tobias asks for Sarah’s hand in marriage, to which Raguel hesitantly agrees. Raguel thinks Tobias, like the previous husbands of Sarah, will be killed by the demon on the night of the wedding. A marriage contract is drawn up, and after dinner, the newly married couple is sent to the room.

Again, in accord with the instructions of Raphael, Tobit manages to rid the demon from the room, and it is later caught and bound by Raphael. Then, immediately Tobias and Sarah turn to prayer. It is in this spirit of unity with God that Tobias and Sarah are united in marriage. It is this turning to God in prayer that finally delivers Sarah from the demon.

What is significant in this book is that the main characters turn to God in prayer at every crucial moment. At every turn, in the face of obstacles, God is praised and given the honour. Through this, they demonstrate what it means to obey God’s commandment: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind and with all your strength.” May we, too, learn to do the same in our lives.

Lord, help me place You first in my life.

End with Novena to the Sacred Heart of Jesus – Day 1 of 9

9 Days Novena Reflection & Prayers to the Sacred Heart of Jesus
Day 1: Thursday 3rd June 2021

Theme: A Day with Jesus of Nazareth