By MARIA SERMERSHEIM
MEDITATIONES IGNIS
In the Book of Tobit, an angel sent from the Lord named Raphael presents himself to Tobiah to be his trustworthy companion for a journey. As Raphael accompanies Tobiah, he also advises him. Along the way, they catch a fish; and Raphael recommends that Tobiah keep certain parts of it for their medicinal and ritual utility. At the end of his escapade, Tobiah not only obtains the money for which his father sent him, but he also finds a wife. She is cured of the demon that killed her seven previous husbands; and upon their return to Tobiah’s father, Tobit, he is also healed by Raphael’s fish-part remedy.
This helpful and adventurous angel captures my imagination.
Raphael was a literal angel in disguise. Where may these angels be now? I am sure they are among us, but we have difficulty seeing them because we have difficulty seeing our good neighbors in the first place. Who are the people in our lives who fill similar roles: people who are trustworthy companions, who point out how to make a fish into two cures…or how to see the hand of God’s Providence and the ways forward in slippery situations (Tobit 6)? Who are the people who remind us to bless the Lord always (Tobit 12)?
When Tobit and Tobiah rightly try to give Raphael half of their earnings in gratitude, Raphael exhorts them to thank God always; to give alms; and to make known the Lord’s wonderful works. He reveals his identity as an angel and exits the scene, leaving Tobiah and Tobit to praise God and marvel at his deeds.
Raphael says, “Thank God! Give him the praise and the glory. Before all the living, acknowledge the many good things he has done for you, by blessing and extolling his name in song. Before all men, honor and proclaim God’s deeds, and do not be slack in praising him. A king’s secret it is prudent to keep, but the works of God are to be declared and made known” (Tobit 12:6-7).
The angel is surely speaking about the magnificent successes of Tobiah’s trip and the miraculous cures along the way; but when the father and son praise God, I am confident that they praised him for all of the above and for the angel Raphael.
Who are the Raphaelic figures in our lives? Where do angels walk among us in disguise?
Who has God sent into our lives as messengers of grace and as guides on the journey? Let’s thank God for his marvelous works and for his marvelous people – the Raphaelic figures he has given us along the way.