The Book of Tobit chapter 6 of 14 (To Update)

The Book of Tobit 

Chapter  6

¹ So she stopped weeping. The young man went out and the angel went with him; ² and the dog came out with him and went along with them. So they both journeyed along, and when the first night overtook them they camped by the Tigris river.

(The Book of Tobit Chapter 6 verses  1 to 2)

Without knowing the son of Tobit was being accompanied by an angel. I pray thanksgiving for the many angels that You send to guide me during the course of my daily life Amen. Thank You Jesus.


³ Then the young man went down to wash his feet in the Tigris river. Suddenly a large fish leaped up from the water and tried to swallow the young man's foot, and he cried out. ⁴ But the angel said to the young man, "Catch hold of the fish and hang on to it! So the young man grasped the fish and drew it up on the land.


(The Book of Tobit Chapter 6 verses  3 to 4)


Oh God my Father I thank You for the many fish or positive opportunities that you permit me to experience both for my benefit and for that of others Amen.


⁵ Then the angel said to him, "Cut open the fish and take out its gall, heart and liver. Keep them with you, but throw away the intestines. For its gall, heart, and liver are useful as medicine."


(The Book of Tobit Chapter 6 verse 5)


Oh God my Father how challenging is it to obey others especially when one does not agree with the person giving the order. I pray for more humility and obedience from my side Amen.


⁶ So after cutting open the fish the young man gathered together the gall, the heart, and liver; then he roasted and ate some of the fish, and kept some to be salted. The two continued on their way together until they were near Media


(The Book of Tobit Chapter 6 verse 6)


Oh God my Father, many times you permit us to experience situations where we have no option but to place our trust in You and obey or face the consequences which at times may be positive and on the other hand at times they are not so positive. Amen. I pray that You teach us to obey You blindly without having to ask questions Amen.


⁷ Then the young man questioned the angel and said to him, "Brother Azariah, what medicinal value is there in the fish's heart and liver and in the gall?"


(The Book of Tobit Chapter 6 verse 7)


During the process of our growth, we tend to start asking questions which at times may be very challenging, at times even the reason for our believing in You is questioned during this turbulent time. However, in time You always give us an explanation to those issues that are healthy for us to be addressed. There are times when I asked for answers to questions that were not healthy for me to know and to this day such issues have remained buried in my subconscious forever. I understand today that I am to know what You desire of me to know, that which is spiritually and psychologically healthy for me to know Amen.


⁸ He replied, "As for the fish's heart and liver you must burn them to make a smoke in the presence of a man or woman afflicted by a demon or evil spirit, and every affliction will flee away and never remain with that person any longer. ⁹ And as for the gall, anoint a person's eyes where white films have appeared on them; blow upon them, upon the white films, and the eyes will be healed.


(The Book of Tobit Chapter 6 verses 8 and 9)


Oh God my Father I thank You for giving us natural remedies in order to cure illness and diseases that may have been only curable by modern medicine with more side effects. Amen. I thank You for the knowledge You give to people who study such natural homemade remedies Amen.

¹⁰ When he entered Media and already was approaching Ecbatana, ¹¹ Raphael said to the young man, "Brother Tobias." "Here I am," he answered. Then Raphael said to him, "We must stay this night in the home of Raguel. He is your relative, and he has a daughter named Sarah.

(The Book of Tobit Chapter 6 verses 10 to 11)

Oh God my Father, I thank You for sending Your guardian angels to accompany on this journey to Heaven. I thank You for the good spirits and even for the bad, because by means of them You help me to make the right decisions. I thank You for intervening on my behalf in times of trouble Amen.

¹² He has no male heir and no daughter except Sarah only, and you, as next of kin to her, have before all other men a heredity claim on her. Also it is right for you to inherit her father's possessions. Moreover, the girl is sensible, brave, and very beautiful, and her father is a good man"

(The Book of Tobit Chapter 6 verse 12)

Following the ways of God as in the case of Tobias can lead to many opportunities both for his own good and even from others who could have benefitted from the situation. Your ways are not our ways. I pray that in all situations may Your will be done Amen.

¹³ He continued, "You have every right to take her in marriage. So listen to me, brother; tonight I will speak to her father about the girl, so that we may take her to be your bride. When we return from Rages we will celebrate her marriage. For I know that Raguel can by no means keep her from you or promise her to another man without incurring the penalty of death according to the decree of the book of Moses. Indeed he knows that you rather than any other man, are entitled to marry his daughter. So now listen to me, brother, and tonight we shall speak concerning the girl and arrange her engagement to you, And when we return from Rages we will take her and bring her back with us to your house."

(The Book of Tobit Chapter 6 verse 13)

Oh God my Father I pray for those involved in an arranged marriage to seek justice especially if they are not happy in their marriage. I pray that You enlighten them with a positive way ahead. I also pray for separated people such as myself who chose a new partner (Unlike myself) with the aim of starting fresh to get a better future and end up worse than when they were legally married Amen.

 

The Book of Tobit Chapter 5 of 14

 

The Book of Tobit 

Chapter  5

 

 

¹ Then Tobias answered his father Tobit, "I will do everything that you have commanded me my father; ² but how can I obtain the money from him, since he does not know me and I do not know him? What evidence am I to give him so that he will recognize and trust me, and give me the money? Also, I do not know the roads to Media, or how to get there."

 

(The Book of Tobit Chapter 5 verses 1 to 2)

 

 Oh, Job my friend it seems that your orientation skills are as good as mine, for if it were not for GPS I would not arrive anywhere. I thank You, God, for inventing such means. Many times we would like to obey You, my God and Father, however, doubts find a way into our hearts and minds and we start trusting in what we know and not in what You can make known to us Amen.

³ Then Tobit answered his son Tobias, "He gave me his bond and I gave him my bond. I divided his in two; we each took one part, and I put one with money. And now twenty years have passed since I left this money in trust. So now, my son find yourself a trustworthy man to go with you, and we will pay him wages until you return. But get back the money from Gabael."

(The Book of Tobit Chapter 5 verse 3)

Oh God my Father when You formulate a plan for us You take into consideration all the technical details. You tell us what to say, when and how to say it in order for us to achieve our objective. I pray that when my time comes I will also be ready Amen.

⁴ So Tobias went out to look for a man to go with him to Media, someone who was acquainted with the way. He went out and found the angel Raphael standing in front of him; but he did not percieve that he was an angel of God.

(The Book of Tobit Chapter 5 verse 4)

Oh God my Father at the right place and at the right time, You permit us to meet people who are angels to us and without our knowledge, You help us by means of such people Amen. I thank You, my God and Father, for many times You have sent me such people Amen.

⁵ Tobias said to him, "Where do you come from young man?""From your kindred, the Israelites," he replied, and I have come here to work." Then Tobias said to him. "Do you know the way to go to Media?"

(The Book of Tobit Chapter 5 verse 5)

Oh God, my Father You know that my only wish is to be able to work, to be of service to others. You know that this is something that I am not totally doing as according to my wishes. However oh God my Father, may Your will be done. If I am to find another job that may be more fulfilling even though it may pay less may Your will be done and not mine. Amen.



Oh God my Father You know the way leading to my Salvation, I pray that You continue to send me people to enlighten me in Your ways Amen.



⁶ "Yes", he replied, "I have been there many times: I am acquainted with itٰٰ and know all the roads. I have often travelled to Media, and would stay with our kinsman Gabael who lives in the Rages of Media. It is a journey of two days from Ecbatana to Rages; for it lies in a mountainous area, while Ecbatana is in the middle of the plain."

(The Book of Tobit Chapter 5 verse 6)

Oh God, my Father, this verse reminds me of an episode in my life when I also asked for directions since I was not familiar with the territory. I was also on a journey to meet the brothers of Mother Theresa at Noto in Sicily. I thank You for sending the resident who also told me that he knew the way to the convent. Even though I was not accepted by the brothers to live the same life, it was an enriching experience, by which You told me what You did not wish of me to become Amen.


⁷ Then Tobias said to him, "Wait for me, young man, until I go in and tell my father; for I do need you to travel with me, and I will pay you your wages." ⁸ He replied, "All right, I will wait; but do not take too long."

(The Book of Tobit Chapter 5 verses 7 to 8)

Oh God my Father many times You give us perfect opportunities to advance in our life, however when tend to question a lot more than necessary instead of taking You at Your word and often miss out on the opportunity. I pray that we have more faith in You than in ourselves Amen.



⁹ So Tobias went in to tell his father Tobit and said to him, "I have just found a man who is one of our own Israelite kindred!" He replied, "Call the man in, my son, so that I may learn about his family and to what tribe he belongs, and whether he is trustworthy enough to go with you."

(The Book of Tobit Chapter 5 verse 9)

Oh God, my Father many times we end up caught in mixed loyalties during sensitive situations. On the one hand, we pledge our obedience to fulfil Your will and on the other hand, we end up entangled with the calls of the world as in the case of Tobias who was called to delay the messenger in order to obey Tobit his father. I pray that during such moments You give us perfect knowledge and insight in order to make the right decisions Amen.

¹⁰ Then Tobias went out and called him, and said, "Young man, my father is calling for you." So he went in to him, and Tobit greeted him first. He replied, "Joyous greetings to you!" But  Tobit retorted "What joy is left for me any more? I am a man without eyesight; I cannot see the light of heaven, but I lie in darkness like the dead who no longer see the light. Although still alive, I am among the dead. I hear people but I cannot see them." But the young man said, "Take courage; the time is near for God to heal you; take courage." Then Tobit said to him, "My son Tobias wishes to go to Media. Can you accompany and guide him? I will pay your wages, brother." He answered, "I can go with him and I know all the roads, for I have often gone to Media and have crossed all its plains, and I am familiar with its mountains and all of its roads."

(The Book of Tobit Chapter 5 verse 10)

Oh God my Father many times we think we are seeing, and have a plan for the future and our hearts are at rest, when in truth we feel protected by the welfare of the world and in truth we are blind, living among those who are alive but being spiritually dead. I pray for healing, especially during times when I feel that my hope in human beings has reached a point of non-existence. As much as I trust in You I would like to trust in others however every time I tried I ended up disappointed and sorry that I did so. I place my total trust in You my God and Father Amen.

¹¹ Then Tobit said to him, "Brother of what family are you and from what tribe? Tell me brother,"

(The Book of Tobit Chapter 5 verse 11)

Oh God, my Father even though You reveal Yourself to me day by day, as in the case of Tobit there are always pending questions that I would wish to have answered in my relationship with You Amen.



¹² He replied, "Why do you need to know my tribe?" But Tobit said, "I want to be sure, brother, whose son you are and what your name is."

(The Book of Tobit Chapter 5 verse 12)

Oh God, my Father even though we would like to take You at Your word and place our trust in You we still have the feeling of uncertainty and mistrust towards both our fellow persons and even towards You. I pray that You heal our uncertainty and help us to let go and trust Amen.

¹³ He replied, " I am Azariah, the son of the great Hananiah, one of your relatives."

(The Book of Tobit Chapter 5 verse 13)

Many times oh God my Father You send us people in our lives who although appear to us as being strangers are of great significance to us. You send us people inspired by You, who in fact are our spiritual brothers and sisters Amen.

¹⁴ Then Tobit said to him, "Welcome! God save you, brother. Do not feel bitter toward me, brother, because I wanted to be sure about your ancestry. It turns out that you are a kinsman, and of good and noble lineage, For I knew Hananiah and Nathan, the two sons of Shemeliah, and they used to go with me to Jerusalem and worshipped with me there, and were not led astray. Your kindred are good people; you come of good stock. Hearty welcome!"

(The Book of Tobit Chapter 5 verse 14)

Oh God, my Father, I pray that You help us overcome our sense of insecurity and learn to trust others without needing to rely on proof and facts Amen.

¹⁵ Then he added, " I will pay you a drachma a day as wages, as well as expenses for yourself and my son. So go with my son, ¹⁶ and I will add something to your wages," Raphael answered, "I will go with him; so do not fear. We shall leave in good health and return to you in good health, because the way is safe."

(The Book of Tobit Chapter 5 verses 15 to 16)

Oh God my Father when we place our trust in You and not in our material resources, we have a guarantee of success. Amen.

¹⁷ So Tobit said to him, "Blessings be upon you brother." Then he called his son and said to him, "Son, prepare supplies for the journey and set out with your brother. May God in heaven bring you safely there and return you in good health to me; and may his angel, my son accompany you both for your safety," Before he went out to start his journey he kissed his father and Mother. Tobit then said to him, "Have a safe journey,"

(The Book of Tobit Chapter 5 verse 17)

Oh God, my Father even though we are given assurance by others we still experience doubts and unbelief. I pray oh God that You strengthen our faith Amen. Oh God my Father I pray as in the case of Tobit that I merit and obtain Your blessing before making important decisions in life Amen.

¹⁸ But his mother began to weep, and said to Tobit, "Why is it that you have sent my child away? Is he not the staff of our hand as he goes in and out before us?"

(The Book of Tobit Chapter 5 verse 18)

Oh God, my Father when couples do not agree on important decisions there will be stress in the family. Moreover when decisions are not the fruit of collaboration but only from one member of the family as in the case of Tobit. I pray for all couples who are experiencing such tensions in their family, to stop pray, hug each other and discuss the issue at hand Amen.

¹⁹ Do not heap money upon money, but let it be a ransom for our child.

(The Book of Tobit Chapter 5 verse 19)

Oh God my Father as in the case of Tobit's wife, we learn to focus on the other side of the coin and not solely on how much we are going to gain from the situation in terms of money Amen.

²⁰ For the life that is given to us by the Lord is enough for us."

(The Book of Tobit Chapter 5 verse 20)

Oh God, my Father, I pray not to be rich but to have enough to cater for my basic needs to live an honest living which gives me the opportunity of continuing my life of prayer and my work Amen.

²¹ Tobit said to her, "Do not worry; our child will leave in good health and return tonus in good health. Your eyes will see him on the day when he returns to you in good health, Say no more! Do not fear for them, my sister.

(The Book of Tobit Chapter 5 verse 21)

Oh God, my Father, I thank You for this biblical verse for it is very encouraging. I feel that You are telling me that my daughter left in good health and that in good health she will come back to me. Amen.

²² For a good angel will accompany him; his journey will be successful, and he will come back in good health." 

(The Book of Tobit Chapter 5 verse 22)

Oh God, my Father, I thank You that my wife is caring for my daughter, however, I pray that when the time is according to Your will I will be able to see her again Amen.

My God and Father I would like to end this meditation on the fifth chapter of the book of Tobit with the following prayer:-


Oh God, my Father if we can pay and get the antivirus for the Covid-19 we would surely invest all our money in purchasing it. If we had to pay for our entrance in heaven we may not care so much because our minds have become worldly and as soon as this pandemic passes we will return to our old alienated lives. I pray that we learn and become aware that we are not in control of our lives but You are Amen. Moreover, apart from COVID-19 there is also the virus of sin which is more deadly since it can destroy both the body and the soul Amen.

 

The Book of Tobit Chapter 4

The Book of Tobit 

Chapter   4

¹ That same day Tobit remembered the money that he had left in trust with Gabael at Rages in Media, ² and he said to himself, "Now I have asked for death. Why do I not call my son Tobias and explain to him about the money before I die?"

(The Book of Tobit Chapter 4 verses 1 to 2)




Oh God, my beloved Father there have been many cases of parents who reveal secrets to their sons and daughters or make them make promises to marry him and not the other, to which the people concerned are bound for life. I pray that we imitate You by not making such demands on others but on giving of self to others up to the last minute of our lives. You kept on giving till your last breath on the cross, where You gave us Your mother and our salvation Amen. 


³ Then he called his son Tobias, and when he came to him he said, "My son, when I die, give me a proper burial. Honor your mother and do not abandon her all the days of her life. Do whatever pleases her, and do not grieve her in anything. 


(The Book of Tobit Chapter 4 verse 3)



Oh God, my Father may we honour our commitments to You as much as we do to our earthly parents and even more. In the New Testament, You left us many guidelines of how our lives on earth are to be Amen.


⁴ Remember her, my son, because she faced many dangers for you while you were in her womb. And when she dies, bury her beside me in the same grave.


(The Book of Tobit Chapter 4 verse 4)


Oh God my beloved Father true love remains forever even after the point of death, Tobit did not wish to be separated from his wife, whom he truly loved. I pray that this genuine love to be found in the marriages of our time Amen. I also pray that we learn to love and respect our mothers, for every newborn is a miracle, especially when considering all those things that can happen in order to prevent the child from being born Amen.


⁵ "Revere the Lord all your days, my son, and refuse to sin or to transgress his commandments. Live uprightly all the days of your life, and do not walk in the ways of wrongdoing; ⁶ for those who act in accordance with truth will prosper in all their activities. To all those who practice righteousness ⁷ give alms from your possessions, and do not let your eye begrudge the gift when you make it. Do not turn your face away from anyone who is poor, and the face of God will not be turned away from you. 


(The Book of Tobit Chapter 4 verses 5 to 7)



Oh God my beloved Father, I thank You for this wise counsel, I pray that You engrave it in my, mind heart and soul so that I will always remember them and never turn away from anyone who is in need. Amen. 

⁸ If you have many possessions, make your gift from them in proportion; if few, do not be afraid to give according to the little you have.

(The Book of Tobit Chapter 4 verse 8) 

Oh God my Father, from the little resources that I have I will be generous even though presently this is not easy, for this separation is costing me alot in both cash and emotional and psychological drain. Even though I am not at my top performance I am still required to perform at my best. I pray that You have mercy on me and my situation my God and Father Amen.  

⁹ So you will be laying up a good treasure for yourself against the day of necessity.

(The Book of Tobit Chapter 4 verse 9)

Oh God my beloved Father, as You yourself told us many items, that it is in giving that we receive. This does not mean that we give because we expect to receive as a right, but in order to bring happiness to others as an act of love. Amen 

¹⁰ For alms giving delivers from death and keeps you from going into the Darkness. ¹¹ Indeed alms giving, for all who practice it, is an excellent offering in the presence of the Most High.

(The Book of Tobit Chapter 4 verse 10) 

Oh God my beloved Father You have always taught me that true love is in giving and not in receiving, however, I have never been aware of the beauty and nobility of almsgiving Amen.  

¹¹ Indeed almsgiving, for all who practice it, is an excellent offering in the presence of the Most High.



(The Book of Tobit Chapter 4 verse 11)



Oh God my Father as You told us many times, it is in giving that we receive and that when we are contributing to the needs of others it is as if we are contributing to You my God and Father Amen.  




¹² " Beware, my son, of every kind of fornication. First of all, marry a woman from among the descendants of your ancestors; do not marry a foreign woman, who is not of your father's tribe; for we are the descendants of the prophets. Remember my son, that Noah, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, our ancestors of old, all took wives from among their kindred. They were blessed in their children, and their posterity will inherit the land.



(The Book of Tobit Chapter 4 verse 12)



Oh God my Father I pray that we protect marriage by not getting mixed up or taking in marriage people of other cultures, for such traditions and beliefs may clash with our belief in You my God and Father and this causes spiritual harm. I pray that if possible we do not marry but remain focused on You may be our one and only focus of our life, and not be alienated by issues of the world as in marriage Amen.



¹³ So now, my son love your kindred, and in your heart do not disdain your kindred, the sons and daughters of your people, by refusing to take a wife for yourself from among them. For in pride there is ruin and great confusion. And in idleness there is loss and dire poverty, because idleness is the mother of famine.



(The Book of Tobit Chapter 4 verse 13)



Oh God my loving Father as You know there is a difference between what our heart tells us to what our mind tells us. Many times we rationalize an issue to make it look seemingly good and rational even though we might be aware that the issue in question is not according to the will of God my Father. In our attempt to find a plausible solution and satisfy our conscience we might be in favour of divorce, annulment or even separation as in my case, however on being honest with ourselves including myself who is now a separated person may not justify such an act spiritually, however when considering what I had previously experienced as a married person, I tend to half a different opinion holding the justification that in particular cases, it is positive for one to separate and start a new life Amen. I pray that You purify both my mind and my heart oh God my Father Amen.



¹⁴ "Do not keep over until the next day the wages of those who work for you, but pay them at once. If you serve God you will receive payment. Watch yourself, my son, in everything you do, and discipline yourself in all your conduct.


(The Book of Tobit Chapter 4 verse 14)




Oh God my Father we all seek justice in this world, we all stand up for what is rightfully ours, however when it comes to obligations the same cannot be said. Many people such as migrants are compelled to work in situations where the chance of being paid is from medium to low. In life if nobody appreciates what we do, we receive gratitude from You my God and Father Amen, Thank You Jesus. I pray that You help me reissues of self-control for I am still weak in this area since at times the flesh gets the better side of me Amen.


¹⁵ And what you hate, do not do to anyone. Do not drink wine to excess or let drunkenness go with you on your way.


(The Book of Tobit Chapter 4 verse 15)


Oh God, my Father, up to this day I have been trying to practice the golden rule that of not doing to others what I do not others to do to me. I pray that You continue giving me the grace to remain firm in my predicament Amen.


¹⁶ Give some of your food to the hungry, and some of your clothing to the naked. Give all your surplus as alms, and do not let your eye begrudge your giving of alms.



(The Book of Tobit Chapter 4 verse 16)



Oh God my Father all that we contribute to those in need is as if we are contributing to You, for You yourself told us that even when we go and see people in Jail or in the hospital or when we care for others it is as if we are doing that action to You. Therefore I pray that You give us victory over our selfish human nature that compels us to have more instead of to give more Amen.



¹⁷ Place your bread on the grave of the righteous, but give none to sinners.


(The Book of Tobit Chapter 4 verse 17)



Oh God my Father as a sinner myself I make no discrimination for we are all sinners Amen.


¹⁸ Seek advice from every wise person and do not despise any useful counsel. ¹⁹ At all times bless the Lord God, and ask him that your ways be made straight and that all your paths and plans may prosper. For none of the nations has understanding but the Lord himself will give them good counsel; but if he chooses otherwise, he casts down, to deepest Hades. So now, my child remember these commandments, and do not let them be erased from your heart. 


(The Book of Tobit Chapter 4 verses 18 to 19) 



Oh God my Father, all wisdom and knowledge has its roots in You. You have control over all that is happening in the world, and in all that is taking place in my little world. All happens according to Your will, therefore may Your will be done now and forever, I place all my issues before You my God and Father with full trust and hope.



May Your will be done! Amen.


²⁰  "And now, my son, let me explain to you that I left ten talents of silver in trust with Gabael son of Gabrias, at Rages in Media. ²¹ Do not be afraid, my son, because we have become poor. You have great wealth if you fear God and flee from every sin and do what is good in the sight of the Lord your God."


 (The Book of Tobit Chapter 4 verses 20 to 21)



Oh God my Father in the eyes of the world I know that I am not popular or attractive, however my aim has never been that of being popular in the eyes of man but only to be loved and approved by You my God and Father Amen. I am not bothered by what the world thinks of me, for many people tend to focus on my weaknesses and mistakes instead of on the strengths that You have given me Amen.


Dear Father in Heaven and even on earth, I would like to end this reflection on the fourth chapter of the book of Tobit with the following prayer Amen:-



Heavenly Father I pray for the gift of the Holy Spirit, that I may be always guided and protected by You in all situations. I thank You for being my champion and saviour Amen. May Your will be done in all the situations of my life. May You take full control and protect me against negative forces Amen.