I am reading the book of Tobit during my prayer time these days. Be sure to read it someday if you can find a Greek translation of the bible, as it is not in the Hebrew translations. (Greek translations = The New American Catholic, or the Jeruselum versions, I think. Hebrew translations = King James versions, I think.) It is worth looking for and reading. Quite an interesting story. Tobit, the story of a dutiful son who is given miraculous help by an angel, is part of the Apocrypha - the 5 books (or parts of books) that are included in some bibles and not in others. (Tobit, Judith, Macabees 1st and 2nd books, and Ecclesiasticus.)
Here are a couple of verses from Tobit I wanted to share with all of you . . . .
4:7 - "Never turn your face from any poor man and God will never turn His from you."
I thought about this for quite some time, and realized that I have turned my
face from the poor!
And how Mickey that day we were having our dinner and party
at the park, took lots of that food and water and gave it to those poor,
homeless people who showed up. I don't think I could ever have done that! God
does not turn His face from you, Mickey.
4:23 - "Do not be afraid if you have grown poor. You have great wealth if you know
God (Jesus?) and if you shun every kind of sin and if you do what is pleasing
to the Lord your God." In other words, our greatest treasure and riches are
the ones we have in eternity with our God. Does anyone remember that
scripture, and where it is - one of the gospels. In these times we are facing
a future of uncertainty - here in this world - but, if we build up our
treasures in heaven, then we have everything! We are rich in our blessings!
And this next scripture is what I received for Josh as he is going off to training
for Afghanistan in a couple of weeks:
5:21 - "My child, prepare what you need for the journey, and set off with your
brothers. (your unit) May God in heaven protect you abroad and bring you all
back safe and sound! May His angel go with you and protect you, my child.
5:22 - The
son left the house to set out and kissed his father and mother. The father
said "Happy journey! His mother burst into tears and said 'Why must I send
my child away? The way of life God had already given us was good enough!'
'Do not think such thoughts. Going away and coming back, all will be well
with your child. On the day of his homecoming you will see for yourself how all is still well with him. Do not think such thoughts; do not worry on his account.
A good angel will go with him; he will have a good journey and come back well and happy." 6:1 "And she dried her tears."
I bought Joshua a small bible with a "marines" cover on it. It has a couple of pages in the front to write a message for him. I am going to write 5:21 there, along with other words of encouragement for him.
6 comments:
Thank you, this is great!
I have the Catholic Bible that Pat and Rose Murdy gave me for high school graduation - I'll have to look in there. The verse you found for Josh is especially -- oh, what's the word? It's right on the money.
I am sure, Lonnie, that you do feed the poor without even realizing it sometimes. You contribute to your church and to charities, I am sure. You and Phil fed my kids and me for a few months. That's a crowd of people!
You keep writing and sharing your thoughts. You are "feeding the poor" (in spirit) every time you write something. That very well could be how that scripture is meant for you.
This is so great. How true about what we pray for Joshua. These are Linda's thoughts and worries exactly, and he will have angels posted around him to keep him and his comrades safe and they will return triumphant and better for the wear.
I will pray that for Josh too. What a wonderful verse. My Bible doesn't have this book in it. I will have to find one of my old Catholic Bibles I think. Father Rock at Holy Cross used to always say, "You will be richly rewarded in Heaven."
Aunt Lonnie - My mom is right. You do take care of the poor. Remember Jesus command to "feed my sheep." That is what you do. You take care of His flock all of the time.
Thank you for the encouragement everyone!
I have been enjoying the book of Tobit. It definitely shows a tender side of God and His humor.
THE POOR can be anyone in need, not necessarily just "money poor".
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