Daily Readings - Fri Jun 09 2017

First Reading - Tobit 11.5-15

⁵But Anna sat beside the way every day, on the top of a hill, from where she would be able to see for a long distance⁶And while she was watching for his arrival from that place, she looked far off, and soon she realized that her son was approaching. And running, she reported it to her husband, saying: "Behold, your son arrives.⁷And Raphael said to Tobias: "As soon as you enter into your house, immediately adore the Lord your God. And, giving thanks to him, approach your father, and kiss him⁸And immediately anoint his eyes from this gall of the fish, which you carry with you. For you should know that his eyes will soon be opened, and your father will see the light of heaven, and he will rejoice at the sight of you.⁹Then the dog, which had been with them in the way, ran ahead, and, arriving like a messenger, he showed his joy by fawning and wagging his tail¹⁰And rising up, his blind father began to run, stumbling with his feet. And giving his hand to a servant, he ran on to meet his son¹¹And receiving him, he kissed him, as did his wife, and they both began to weep for joy¹²And when they had adored God and had given thanks, they sat down together¹³Then Tobias, taking from the gall of the fish, anointed his father’s eyes¹⁴And about half an hour passed, and then a white film began to come out of his eyes, like the membrane of an egg¹⁵So, taking hold of it, Tobias pulled it away from his eyes, and immediately he received his sight

Gospel - Mark 12.35-37

Mark

Chapter 12

³⁵And while teaching in the temple, Jesus said in answer: "How is it that the scribes say that the Christ is the son of David³⁶For David himself said in the Holy Spirit: ‘The Lord said to my Lord: Sit at my right hand, until I set your enemies as your footstool.³⁷Therefore, David himself calls him Lord, and so how can he be his son?" And a great multitude listened to him willingly

Sermon

The readings today invite us to reflect on the themes of faith, healing, and the revelation of God’s plan. In the first reading from Tobit, we witness the dramatic healing of Tobit’s blindness. Tobias, guided by the angel Raphael, trustingly follows the instructions he has been given, anointing his father’s eyes with the gall of the fish. This act of faith leads to a miraculous restoration of sight, not only physically but also spiritually, as Tobit rejoices in the blessings of God. The story reminds us that faith and obedience can lead to profound healing and renewal in our lives. In the Gospel, Jesus challenges the understanding of the scribes regarding the Messiah. He points out that if David calls the Messiah “Lord,” how can the Messiah also be considered David’s son? This question highlights the mystery of Jesus’ identity as both fully human and fully divine. The passage invites us to deepen our understanding of who Jesus is—the Son of David and the Son of God. It encourages us to move beyond superficial understandings of faith and to embrace the fullness of God’s revelation in Christ. Today’s readings call us to trust in God’s plan, even when it seems unclear, and to seek a deeper understanding of Jesus’ identity. Like Tobias, we are invited to act with faith, even in the face of uncertainty, knowing that God can bring light and healing into our lives. And like the crowd in the temple, we are called to listen to Jesus’ teachings and to allow His words to transform our hearts and minds. May we, through faith and reflection, come to see more clearly the presence of God in our lives and the truth of who Jesus is for us.