Tobit 13:1-5b, 7-8. Cantide of Tobit I

The story of Tobit is edifying, with its emphasis on almsgiving, family virtues and duty towards the dead. Tobit was a devout Jew, living in exile, and he suffered many misfortunes. But through God's interventions his fortunes changed; he saw his son happily married and he was healed of his blindness.

Chapter 13 is a long canticle. The fixst eight verses are a song of thanksgiving, ending with a reference to Jerusalem. The second part, the remainder of the chapter, addresses the Holy City and speaks of the glory God has in store for it. This .second part is used separately in the Liturgy of the Hours.

The canticle opens with a profession of faith in God and in his eternal kingdom: "Blessed be God who lives forever, because his kingdom lasts for all ages." It then speaks of God rewarding people according to their merits, scourging and then having mercy, casting down and then lifting them up again, examples of the reversal of fortunes.

Then there is an exhortation to praise God: "Praise him ... exalt him... because he is the Lord our God, our Father and God forever" (vs. 3-4). God's power was shown in the gathering together of the people in exile, thereby showing his power among the nations, and his concern for Israel.

The closing verses of this first part of Tobit's canticle (vs. 7-8) express again praise of God, who is designated "King of heaven" (vs. 7), whose praises should be sung in Jerusalem.

For reflection: "The Christian Church is also a Diaspora, since nonbelievers and part-believers will always be with us. The followers of Christ have been called out of darkness into God's marvellous light to bear witness to him before [all people] through genuine Christian lives cf. 1 Peter 2:9." (McNamara).