Thursday, June 18, 2020
Giovanni Biliverti: The Archangel Raphael Refusing Tobias’ Gift
Raphael Makes Himself Known
This beautiful story comes to us today to remind us that we need to make known the many small miracles we receive from God. Each time God inverts a plot, we must share the story. Each time God saves us from our own fears we must tell the good news. Each time God heals a wounded heart we must make God’s goodness known.
We have read this story before but today we find something new.
Verse 6: Raphael called the two men aside privately and said to them: “Thank God! Give him the praise and glory. Before all the living, acknowledge the many good things he has done for you, by blessing and extolling his name in song. Honor and praise God’s deeds and do not be slack in praising him”.
The healing hand of God manifests itself frequently in our lives through strangers. When Tobit and Tobias wish to give a monetary reward to Tobias’ traveling companion for all the healing he has done in their lives, the Archangel Raphael reveals himself . . . and rather than take payment, asks them to praise God who has answered their cry for help and has rescued them.
Verse 10: But those habitually guilty of sin are their own worst enemies.
We are reminded that when we sin, we are separating ourselves from God and hurting ourselves. The first step toward healing is recognizing that we are human and imperfect . . . and acknowledging that God is all and that God alone is enough.
Verse 14: . . . and now the Lord has sent me to heal you.
We can heal one another and in so doing also heal ourselves . . . and act as co-redeemers of the human race with Christ. For we are adopted daughters and sons of God.
Verses 17 and 18: And Raphael said to them: “No need to fear. You are safe. Thank God now and forever. As for me, when I came to you it was not out of any favor on my part, but because it was God’s will. So continue to thank him every day; praise him with song”.
Fear not . . . these are the same healing words which Jesus speaks.
Verse 22: They kept thanking God and singing his praises; and they continued to acknowledge these marvelous deeds which he had done when the angel of God appeared to them.
Let us proclaim all God’s wonderful works for God has sent angels to minister to us even though we might not see them. Let us tell everyone we know the stories of our own healing for these are miracles performed for us by a loving God. And let us remember to thank God for all that God does to heal us of all that limits us.
For more about Raphael, Tobit or Tobias, enter their names in the blog search bar and reflect on the gift of this story.
Adapted from a reflection written on January 2, 2008.
Image from: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Giovanni_Biliverti
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