Taking Tobit's Advice

As Catholics, we sometimes feel like strangers in a strange land. The absolute truths we hold, the universal principles that guide our conduct, and the unchanging ways we worship set us apart from the broader culture. Sometimes, they even bring us into conflict with it. Although we strive to be faithful Catholics, compromise is a constant temptation.

The Old Testament hero Tobit found himself in a similar situation. Exiled to the pagan, Assyrian Empire, he held fast to his Jewish identity in the midst of a people who cared nothing for the Divine Law. His instructions to his son Tobiah on the basics of godly living remind us the call to holiness is answerable even in a secular society. We could all profit from taking Tobit’s advice and putting it into practice.

Respect Authority

Tobit’s first piece of advice is to honor our parents (Tb 4:3-4). We have a natural obligation to honor our parents because they gave us life and cared for us as children. Obeying our parents when we’re young, and assisting them in their needs when we reach adulthood are great ways of showing them the honor they deserve.

Just as we honor authority in the family, we also honor the legitimate authority of the State as its natural outgrowth and extension. Catholic citizens honor authority by obeying the just laws of their countries, promoting the common good (beginning with the fundamental right to life), and praying for all elected officials. By respecting authority, we secure the ongoing peace and stability of our society.

Pursue Righteousness

The next piece of advice is to pursue righteousness (Tb 4:5). We act righteously when our conduct conforms to the will of God. How do we know God’s will? It is principally found in the Ten Commandments and Eight Beatitudes (Ex 20:2-17; Mt 5:3-12). It is also summarized in Jesus’ two great commandments to love God and neighbor. However, it is not enough to know the will of God. We must also act on it. Practicing the cardinal virtues of prudence, justice, temperance, and fortitude, together with the theological virtues of faith, hope, and love assist us as we bring our actions into conformity to God’s will.

Give Alms

Tobit’s third piece of advice is to give alms. “Give alms from your possessions. Do not turn your face away from any of the poor, so that God’s face will not be turned away from you” (Tb 4:7). We give alms out of love for God, and a desire to serve our Lord Who identifies Himself with the poor and suffering. Almsgiving might include volunteering at a food bank, or donating used clothes to a local St. Vincent de Paul Society. Remember we cannot expect God’s compassion if we lack compassion for the needy.

Practice Chastity

The fourth piece of advice is avoid every form of sexual immorality (Tb 4:12). Chastity is the virtue that regulates our sexual desires so we can be fully human. For married couples, it involves mutual fidelity between spouses, as well as an openness to the possibility of having children. For single persons, chastity requires self-discipline and abstinence from any type of sexual activity. It’s through the lifelong practice of chastity that we are able to love with genuineness and fulfill the very purpose for which we were created.

Pray Always

Tobit’s final piece of advice is to pray always. He told his son Tobiah, “At all times bless the Lord, your God, and ask him that all your paths may be straight and all your endeavors and plans may prosper” (Tb 4:19). Blessing and asking are synonymous with praising and petitioning: they are two of the four most basic forms of prayer. We praise God by thanking Him for all the wonderful gifts He gives us. Mass is the perfect place to offer thanksgiving. We can also praise God during Eucharistic adoration. Petitioning God involves asking Him for good things and trusting He knows our needs. We can be confident our heavenly Father will never deny us anything necessary to our eternal salvation.

In addition to its timeless advice, the book of Tobit offers a great adventure story that has delighted readers of all ages for generations. You can read Tobit in its entirety at the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ website here: The Book of Tobit.

St. Raphael the Archangel, pray for us.