Almsgiving accompanied by righteousness

Greetings on this the Memorial of Saint Boniface, Bishop and Martyr
Readings: Tb 12:1, 5-15, 20; Tobit 13:2, 6efgh, 7, 8; Mk 12:38-44
Note: Last night after Mass talked at length with the pastor standing in the parking lot about the continuous reading of Tobit. It is refreshing to talk love and romance through and with hearts of celibacy, chastity and constancy. I recommend: Book of Tobit your romance novel this summer.

First reading
Raphael reveals himself and gives the divine advice as expressed through the heart of an angel. It is a nuance lost to many. Angels are the workers of the Lord but have intelligence and independence and witness to the human condition and story. He speaks for the Lord but also himself.

I will now tell you the whole truth, he said:

When you, Tobit, and Sarah prayed,
it was I who presented and read the record of your prayer
before the Glory of the Lord.
I was sent to put you to the test.
At the same time, however,
God commissioned me to heal you and your daughter-in-law Sarah.

Also he said:

• Honor and proclaim God’s deeds,
• Do not be slack in praising him.
• Do good, and evil will not find its way to you.
• Prayer and fasting are good, but better than either is almsgiving accompanied by righteousness.
• It is better to give alms than to store up gold.
• Almsgiving saves one from death and expiates every sin.
• Those who regularly give alms shall enjoy a full life.
• Those habitually guilty of sin are their own worst enemies.

Responsorial – From the Prayer of Tobit
So now consider what he has done for you,
and praise him with full voice.
Bless the Lord of righteousness,
and exalt the King of ages.

Gospel Portion
There are many useful and worthy things to say about this gospel portion.

Jesus is given to explain two situations:

• Be Aware
• Be Generous

Be Aware

• Publicity as publicity.
• Devour the houses of widows.
• Contributions of those habitually guilty of sin are their own worst enemies (per Raphael).

Be Generous

A poor widow also came and put in two small coins worth a few cents.
Amen, I say to you, this poor widow put in more
than all the other contributors to the treasury.
For they have all contributed from their surplus wealth,
but she, from her poverty, has contributed all she had,
her whole livelihood.”

Her poverty can be understood two ways:

• lack of wealth
• wealth of love – her whole person

Either is good.
Love is better.

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry