September 2007

Stories Seldom Heard
88th Edition
The Book of Tobit
Everyone Loves A Good Story

Welcome to Stories Seldom Heard.  A couple of months ago I attended the “Festival of Homiletics” in Nashville, Tennessee.  This conference on preaching is supported mostly by main line Protestant clergy and congregations.  It is widely attended and this year there were over 1,500 people from all parts of the United States and Canada who participated in the conference.   If you would like more information on the “Festival of Homiletics” and the plans for their May 19-23, 2008 conference in Minneapolis, MN, check the web site: http://www.goodpreacher.com/festival.

During the course of this preaching conference, one of the concerns that arose was that many people who attend church services don’t know the stories in the Bible.  As I listened to the discussion and conversation around this issue, I sadly realized that it is not only Catholics who don’t know scripture.  All denominations are struggling with this issue.  Parts of scripture are difficult to read and understand, but there are other parts, particularly involving stories that are memorable, charming, insightful, invigorating, imaginative, disturbing at times, and stimulating.  Stories appeal to every age and society.  They capture our imaginations and encourage us to see life differently.  Stories gently offer us insights into other people’s lives.  Well written stories are for all seasons and for all ages.

The whole family can enjoy a good story.  And if you doubt this, just ask how many of your adult friends have read the latest Harry Potter book or seen the recently released movie.  No doubt, that is why the “Festival of Homiletics” has invited Garrison Keillor, a well known story teller and a regular on National Public Radio, to prepare for the 2008 “Festival of Homiletics” a video called “Preaching in Lake Wobegon”. 

Religious stories tell us a lot about God - a God who helps us in times of trouble and offers us guides along the way.  So why not read some of the great stories in scripture to your children or grandchildren or just for your own pleasure?   Both the New Testament and the First Testament (Old Testament) are filled with short stories like the parables and longer stories such as the one we will be studying in this article from the Book of Tobit which is found in the First Testament.  It is a delightful family story about a dutiful son, a journey, a dog, a fish that has healing power and an angel.  In fact, the angel’s name is Raphael, the same Angel Raphael whose feast we celebrate on September 29^th.  So it is most appropriate that we have time to read the whole story in preparation for the feast.

We don’t know who wrote this short story, but it was written around 200 BC.  The original text was written in Aramaic and later translated into Greek. But because it is not accepted in the Hebrew Bible the original transcript in Aramaic was lost.  Our translation depends on one of the Greek translations that shows the closest similarity to the Aramaic/Hebrew language.  Even though this is a short book of the Bible, the author weaves together two separate stories and situates them within a historical context.  In the beginning of the book and at the end we hear of the wicked rulers of Assyria and the eventual downfall of the Assyrian capital city, Nineveh.  However, if we were to examine the historical information as it is given in the Book of Tobit, we would quickly find that there are historical discrepancies.  These inaccuracies indicate that the author is not so much interested in historical correctness as much as wanting to offer us a truth about God.  In fact, the allusions to the unfaithful Assyrian rulers and their eventual fall are meant to stand in bold contrast to God’s faithfulness towards those people who strive to live good lives and are rewarded in the end. 

The two main stories that are woven together are of Tobit and Sarah.  Even though these two people live many miles apart and do not know each other, they have much in common.  Both Tobit and Sarah are dealing with very difficult situations and both of them are just and prayerful people.  Tobit is a good man who has lost his sight.  Sarah is a good woman whose seven husbands have died.  So how do these two stories get connected?  Ah, Tobit had given ten talents to a friend of his in Media and it just so happens it is there, in Media, where Sarah lives. 

Tobit’s health is failing so he tells Tobias, his son, about the money and sends Tobias to collect it.  From the very beginning of the book Tobit’s holiness and his faith and trust in God are revealed.   Before Tobias leaves on the journey Tobit instructs Tobias in right living, just treatment of others, almsgiving and faithful stewardship of God’s gifts. (Chapter 4: 4-23)   At the end of Tobit’s “last will and testament” Tobit reminds Tobias where true wealth lies. “Do not be afraid, my child, if we have grown poor. You have true wealth if you fear God, if you shun every kind of sin and if you do what is pleasing in God’s sight.” (4:23) 

Chapter 4 might be a place to stop for a few minutes and reflect on our own lives.  How do we feel about our own possessions?  Do we “set aside part of” our goods for almsgiving?  Do we do this on a planned and regular basis?  Do we strive, like Tobit, to act justly and do what is right no matter what others around us do?  This chapter is not only filled with good advice, but we hear through Tobit’s words a man of deep prayer.  Tobit’s generosity of spirit and deep trust in God echoes in these ancient words.   Sometimes I hear people ask “How can I become holier?  What is God asking of me at this time in my life?”  Perhaps there is something in this chapter that will resonant with us and enable us to take one more step closer to God.

Tobit wants to send Tobias to Media, but Tobias doesn’t know the way.  So Tobias goes outside the house to look for a guide. There Tobias finds Raphael.  We, the readers, are told that Raphael is an angel, but Tobias doesn’t know Raphael’s true identity.  There is a long conversation among Tobit, Tobias and Raphael, but in the end Raphael assures them that “all will be well”. (5:17)  ⁽¹⁾   He also promises a cure for Tobit’s blindness.  As we continue reading, we realize that Raphael lives up to his name which means “God heals”.  Like the other angels we meet in scripture, Raphael is a messenger of God who helps good people in times of distress. ⁽²⁾ 

Both in the First Testament (OT) and the New Testament there are many references to messengers from God who “bring good tidings of great joy”.  These messenger-angels come in all forms and sizes and are welcomed by those to whom they are sent because these strangers come bearing gifts from God.  This welcoming of strangers is also noted by Paul in his letter to the Hebrews…“continue to love each other as brothers and sisters, and remember always to welcome strangers, for by doing this, some people have entertained angels without knowing it.” (Heb. 13:1)

There are many ways we could think about angels, but this quote from Hebrews reminds us that most often angels come to us “out of the blue”.  In other words, they are strangers or unexpected helpers.  One of my friends who travels often, talks about the angels she meets “on the road”.  These angels, she says, are people who for no other reason, but kindness or generosity of spirit help out.  Their assistance can be as small as giving directions to the nearest train/bus stop, or as large as changing a flat tire on a rented car in a foreign country.  Like Raphael, these strangers guide, instruct and encourage us in times of indecision and crisis.

There are many extraordinary events during Tobias’ journey to Media and back home to Tobit’s house.  There is the large fish that leaps out of the water as Tobias is washing his feet.  At first it seems threatening, but in the end this fish will hold miraculous powers that will chase away demons and restore sight.   There is the wedding night fraught with fearful memories of  past wedding nights, but are overcome by the power of love and frequent prayer.  And, of course, there is the final revelation of Raphael’s true identity which gives the author an opportunity to clarify who and what angels are and do.  “As far as I (Raphael) am concerned, when I was with you, my presence was not by any decision of mine, but by the will of God; it is God whom you must bless throughout your days, God that you must praise…Now bless God on earth and give thanks to God.” (Tb. 12: 18-19) 

The Book of Tobit is good reading for every generation.  The story line has folk tale elements, but woven into these plots and events is a spiritual message.  Throughout the book there is a major conflict going on between good and evil in which the good and faithful persons always win out.  Right relationships, good works are stressed, as well as, the obligation to honor commitments and to be faithful to one’s promises.  Underlying all of this is a strong emphasis on prayer.  Whether it is in joyful times or in times of distress, God is faithful to those who pray and sacrifice for what is right. 

Even though this story falls into a folktale genre, we can understand why we continue to read it.  Its message is true and encouraging.  God is faithful.  In many ways God sends generous, insightful people to guide us.  And we are called, in turn, not only to give thanks to God, but to live justly, be generous to others and faithful in our prayer.

1.  Sounds like Julian of Norwich’s saying”  All shall be well, all manner of things shall be well.”

2.  Two references to angels in the First Testament that you might enjoy reading are the following.  In the Book of Genesis we hear of the three angels who visited Sarah and Abraham and promised them a child. (Gen 18:1-15)  Later in the Book of Daniel God sent an angel to seal the jaws of the lions so that Daniel would not die at the hands of King Darius. (Daniel 6:24)  

Special thanks to Sharon Grant and Mary Ellen Green who have helped in editing this article.

"Stories Seldom Heard" is a monthly article written by Sister Patricia Bruno, O.P.  Sister is a Dominican Sister of San Rafael, California.  This service is offered to the Christian community to enrich one's personal and spiritual life.  The articles can be used for individual or group reflection.  If you would like "Stories Seldom Heard" sent to a friend, please send a note to "purple115@juno.com".  If you would like to support this ministry, please send tax deductible contributions to Dominican Sisters of San Rafael, c/o Sister Patricia Bruno, O.P., 1520 Grand Avenue, San Rafael, CA,   94901

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