There is so much here this morning. These readings are rich with insight into the human condition. I want to focus, though, on something I think apropos to the current situation we find ourselves in as a nation. Maybe even as a species. Here in Tobit, we find this young girl who has been through a lot. Every husband she’s ever had has died before they could even consummate their marriage.
Marriage is supposed to be a place where life is created. Man and woman are joined together by the creator to bring forth life, and though it doesn’t always happen, that is the plan God gives us. Here we find the marriages she has been through have brought only death, despair, and sorrow. So much so that the young woman went to the upper room of the house, planning to kill herself.
How many of our young people are lost in that same darkness right now? Satan has pulled a veil over their eyes, trying to keep them from seeing hope in the future. Instead, they often retreat to their rooms, to the inner recesses of their hearts and minds, closing out any hope of a future. Suicide rates are at an all-time high. Most of us know someone who struggles with that sort of depression, that darkness in their lives, or have ourselves lost a loved one close to us to this unfortunate loss of life.
Here she is in the upper room of the home, in the darkness, contemplating ending her life. Then she shows us the answer to those doubts, those fears, those evil whispers of the devil. She turns to the window, the source of light in the room. She turns to God, and she worships.
The world has been greatly misled. We’ve been led into a culture of darkness, a culture of death and destruction. The answer to that is Jesus. We need to bring those struggling with addiction and depression, darkness and despair, to Christ. In prayer, yes, that is important, but physically too. We need to bring them to the Eucharist, to the Church. To guide them to the window that gives a glimpse into the true light of the universe, to God Himself. He is the only one who can lift them out of the darkness and create life in their lives again.
Yes, I know people may refuse to come. It’s awkward to have to ask them yet again to join you. They may laugh at you, they may say no. But think, if what we believe is true, if Jesus is right here in this Eucharist, then what greater gift could we ever give them? Once you receive Jesus worthily in the Eucharist you are a window. Make sure to let your light shine into their lives, remind them you care. Don’t wait until it’s too late.
A reflection on the readings for Wednesday of the 9th Week in Ordinary Time
Lord, use me as a lantern to carry the light of your love to those still in darkness. When they look upon your light let them see only you through me.