Saturday June 6, 2009 of the 9th week in ordinary time

Saturday June 6, 2009 of the 9th Week in Ordinary Time
Readings: Tobit 12: 1, 5-15, 20 Psalm Tobit 13: 2, 6-8 Mark 12: 38-44
Response: “Blessed be the Lord, Who live forever”

Tobit, not aware who Raphael was, took his son aside and advised him to be sure to reward the ‘man’ for his actions on their behalf. It was due to Raphael’s intervention Tobit’s treasure was recouped, his son’s bride was saved from the demon and Tobias was returned to him and his wife.
Therefore, in Tobit’s eyes there was nothing he wouldn’t give him as compensation for his efforts on their behalf.
Raphael, as God’s messenger disagreed! All the praise should go to the rightful God!
He is responsible for all the good done and He alone can and does reward and condemn.
Raphael advised them all to direct their praise and prayers to God, not to him, as he was just God’s messenger.
We often forget the true giver of all the gifts we are given. Our birth, our upbringing, our health, our fortunes are all gifs from God. Our talent to be successful comes from Him at no cost other than love which is an endless source, freely give and He deserves all ther credit and praise.

As the concept of Purgatory had not yet been revealed, Tobit presupposes it by having God be the accuser and the forgiver, even from the nether world and the abyss spoken of in Scripture. Therefore, it is cogent to offer praise and thanksgiving to God alone as He is the ultimate source of forgiveness and blessing.

It seems Jesus is excoriating the Scribes in this periscope. In reality, He condemns the action of the Scribes who act in the manner He describes.
We are included with those hypocrites when we profess our belief and then proceed to act in a way different from our teaching.
Jesus doesn’t look at the amount of our gift to Him but rather the heartfelt intent. That is why the poor widow’s donation, though small monetarily was considered greater than the treasures of the rich who gave from their excess while she of her want.
Christ told us, when we give alms, we shouldn’t let our left hand know what our right hand has done.