Readings: Tobit 11:5-17; Psalm 146; Mark 12:35-37
The life of a faithful Christian may be characterised by ups and downs, storms and gales but then it will always have a happy ending, it will always end in the glory of God. In this world, we shall all go through different trials and challenges but one thing is sure, if we remain faithful to God and do not lose faith and hope, it will always end well, everything will work out for our good.
This is the story of Tobit. He was a righteous and faithful man, by what seemed like an accident, he became blind, even in blindness, he was faithful to God. His wife challenged the benefit of his righteousness, he was heartbroken but he held on.
Today, the Lord restored his sight, brought back his son safely to him and gave him the joy of seeing his daughter-in-law.
The devil may have asked you, “Of what use is your faithfulness to God?” When things are not working, he says to you, “Do you see what you get for your faithfulness to God?” People may have scorned your piety, members of your family may not see any benefit in your relationship with God, your goodness and kindness to people may all seem in vain, people may think that your spirituality is a modified irrationality but the truth is that they will eventually learn that you have chosen the best part.
They will know sooner or later that nothing is more rewarding than to serve the Lord and to serve Him faithfully, earnestly and perseveringly.
Those who reject faith sometimes think they know better than us just as the scribes thought they know everything about the Messiah but Jesus proved their understanding wrong.
Let us pray that no matter what happens in our lives, the Lord will keep us faithful and steadfast to the end, and that He may liberate people from spiritual blindness, ignorance and arrogance.
Sermon preached by Rev Fr. Emmanuel Baraka-Gukena Okami on June 4, 2021.