May the Lord give you peace in the Holy Spirit. It is on 07th June 2023. We reflect on Tobit 3:1-11, 16-17 and Mark 12:18-27.
Are we looking far beyond life on earth? Are we thinking of ending our lives in darkness and despair?
Life does not end here and help always comes from God at some point in our life. Our life is not in the distance but in the destination. Life without hope is not worth living.
A lady who worked in the basement office for so long got a promotion to the top floor of the building. When she came to the office first time, she exclaimed, “Wow, what a wonderful view!” Shaking her head in disbelief, a colleague said, “What’s so great about looking down on a bunch of dirty rooftops? The newcomer replied, “You’re not looking far enough.”
There is hope, blessing and healing in the Lord through our untiring and unceasing prayers.
Tobit and Sarah had thoughts about ending their lives. They were in despair and distress, but they also prayed to the Lord for help. Lack of support and encouragement dissects the fabrics of hope in marital relationships. Love of the spouses and the capacity to love gets faded over time and challenges one faces and goes through. How often do we pray to end our life and the situations we are in?
Most of us expect God to hear our prayers the way we wish to have it. It is God’s best way to serve us in our favour in the end. Without hope and prayer, we cannot give that freedom to God in answering our prayers the way God wants them. “The prayers of both of them were heard in the glorious presence of God. So, Raphael was sent to heal both of them.” (Tobit 3:17).
In reflecting on the story of Tobit and Sarah, His Holiness Pope Francis pointed out that they were looking for a way out. “Lamenting to God is not a sin. How many are there like this? Are we thinking about Syria, refugees, and the others?”. “Are we thinking about hospitals, those suffering terminal illness?”
In the Gospel, Jesus cements our faith by inviting us to believe in the living God by living our lives with hope. When we think and pray for those in suffering, pain, and hopeless situations, we too are strengthened to face it all.
May the Lord strengthen us to continue life with the power of prayer. Have a peaceful day