Thursday, April 16, 2020

Reflections - Book of Tobit: Observance, adversity and restoration


Book of Tobit: Observance, adversity and restoration

Tobit the epitome of righteousness
Dug graves and buried in the pitch of darkness
Strewn body of fellow Israelite in exile
Who fell afoul of the ruling elite and to their guile
Sennacherib did not take too kindly to Tobit's deeds
Hounded Tobit who was forced to flee
But reunited with family under the reign of Esarhaddon
To celebrate the choicest of food, the table was laden
Tobit joyfully reclined at the table to eat
When told he shot up to bury another deceased
Scorned and mocked by fellow exile
Tobit returned home and spread himself face up
Unaware of birds perched on the wall their droppings his eyes did cup
Blinded Tobit cried out to God that he might die
Miles away Sarah with seven dead husbands was in as much strife
Their prayers though uttered miles apart
Sped up to heaven to catch Archangel Raphael's heart
Who interceded with God the Father
The Archangel was dispatched to earth to sort out the matter
To heal Tobit and unite Tobias and Sarah in wedded bliss
Tobias warned of the demon laid fish heart and liver on burning coal
The demon Asmodeus was dispatched forthwith to Shoel
With wealth in hand from Gabael
Tobias, Sarah and Raphael were able
To return home to smear Tobit's eye with gall
To see God's glory and be enthralled
Their troubles while severe was short
Tobit’s works of charity thus wrought
Much happiness to their lot

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