Tuesday of the 9th Week in Ordinary Time June 2, 2009

Tuesday of the 9th Week in Ordinary Time June 2, 2009
Readings: Tobit 2: 9-14 Psalm 112: 1-2, 7-9 Mark12; 1-12
Response: “ The heart of the just one is firm, trusting in the Lord”

Tobit, after performing many deeds of virtue for his neighbors, finally got to rest against the wall of his courtyard. Some birds, roosted on the edge of the wall defecated and their warm droppings fell on his eyes. The doctors of the time hadn’t the necessary remedy so Tobit eventually became totally blind.
When his wife was forced to provide for their family’s needs, she did so bu taking in sewing and repairing torn and ripped clothing. Her payment was in the custom of the time. Once a client gave her a goat in addition to her usually charge as a bonus.
Tobit was incensed with her, wondering if the goat was stolen. He insisted she return it to its rightful owner, turning a deaf ear to her pleadings of innocence.
For all his holiness and good deeds, he couldn’t accept his wife’s explanation and received a just remonstration.
It was as a demonstration of our penchant for doing righteous deeds when everyone is looking but neglecting our duty when someone else’s deed is charitable! God expects us to always be charitable, even when our minds think otherwise!

When Jesus is confronted by some Herodians and Pharisees, trying to ensnare Him in a plot to establish His perceived unorthodox teachings, as usual, He turned the tables on them and caught them in a hypocritical situation.
Carrying, on one’s person, a coin of the realm, was tantamount to idolatry. When they produced, at His urging, a coin with Caesar’s image etched thereon, objectively, they committed idolatry.
We must be careful in dealing with unbelievers. They often do not realize the blasphemous nature of their deriding our Faith in the presence of Christ in the Eucharist.
However, when we ignore common norms of dress or behavior when we approach the altar, these same unbelievers rightfully judge us hypocrites.