Tobit – Chapter 9

Old Testament12 Verses

1Then Tobias called the angel to him, whom he took to be a man, and said to him: Brother Azarias, I pray thee hearken to my words:

2If I should give myself to be thy servant I should not make a worthy return for thy care.

3However, I beseech thee, to take with thee beasts and servants, and to go to Gabelus to Rages the city of the Medes: and to restore to him his note of hand, and receive of him the money, and desire him to come to my wedding.

4For thou knowest that my father numbereth the days: and if I stay one day more, his soul will be afflicted.

5And indeed thou seest how Raguel hath adjured me, whose adjuring I cannot despise.

6Then Raphael took four of Raguel's servants, and two camels, and went to Rages the city of the Medes: and finding Gabelus, gave him his note of hand, and received of him all the money.

7And he told him concerning Tobias the son of Tobias, all that had been done: and made him come with him to the wedding.

8And when he was come into Raguel's house he found Tobias sitting at the table: and he leaped up, and they kissed each other: and Gabelus wept, and blessed God,

9And said: The God of Israel bless thee, because thou art the son of a very good and just man, and that feareth God, and doth almsdeeds:

10And may a blessing come upon thy wife and upon your parents.

11And may you see your children, and your children's children, unto the third and fourth generation: and may your seed be blessed by the God of Israel, who reigneth for ever and ever.

12And when all had said, Amen, they went to the feast: but the marriage feast they celebrated also with the fear of the Lord.

Reflection for Today

Tobit Chapter 9 contributes to the biblical theme of family piety, almsgiving, and angelic help, which Catholic teaching develops throughout the Catechism. this deuterocanonical book teaches about guardian angels and prayer (CIC 336). The enduring truth that Prayer and almsgiving rise before God calls us to response.

The Second Vatican Council's Dei Verbum teaches that "Sacred Scripture is the speech of God as it is put down in writing under the breath of the Holy Spirit" (DV 9). This chapter, like all Scripture, is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, reproof, correction, and training in righteousness.

Catholic tradition encourages daily engagement with Scripture, whether through the Liturgy of the Hours, personal reading, or group study. The Catechism teaches that "prayer should accompany the reading of Sacred Scripture, so that a dialogue takes place between God and man" (CIC 2653). May your reading of this chapter be a true encounter with the living God.

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

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