There is a delightful irony in the Book of Tobit. Tobit sends his son, Tobiah, on his journey with the prayer that an angel may watch over him and guide him. He speaks more than once about angels, trusting in their protection and praying for their assistance. Yet Tobit does not realize how literally God is answering his prayers until Tobiah returns from his journey.
Tobiah has been guided along his road by a kinsman he knows as Azariah (the name means “God helps”). Azariah is a wise man who gives Tobiah plenty of good advice about getting rid of a demon, getting married, and healing his father's blindness. Tobiah, however, has no idea who his traveling companion and mentor really is.
The father and son learn in chapter 12 that Azariah is none other than Raphael, one of the archangels sent to answer the prayers of Tobit and of Tobiah's new wife, Sarah. Imagine how shocked they must be. They fall flat on their faces in terror, but Raphael raises them up and tells them not to be afraid. God has answered their prayers and provided for their prosperity. Now they must focus on praising Him and living according to His law. Raphael is merely God's instrument, carrying out His will in every detail.
On this Feast of the Guardian Angels, then, let us reflect on our angelic companions and think about how many times they have acted to protect and guide us on our journey through life. Then let us praise and thank God for His loving care.
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