Advice We Can Follow and Give to Others
Last week we were exploring how our Catholic Faith can permeate our work day. During the course of our discussion we briefly referenced the Book of Tobias (Tobit):
There's more where that came from, so this week let's dig further into the Book of Tobias. It's a relatively short work in the Old Testament that tells the story of a father, Tobias, and his son, also named Tobias. If you haven't read it lately, give it a shot. Meanwhile, we're going to share some of that simple solid advice you'll find throughout the book: common sense suggestions for us Catholic men struggling to strike the right balance in our work and personal lives.
Let's start with Chapter 4 where we find Tobias speaking to his son Tobias. The father, thinking he's dying, wants to give his son, as he calls it, "a foundation in thy heart." Keep "foundation" in mind as we go through these gems. As you'll see, we're back to fundamentals here. Every one of these will strengthen us personally and professionally.
We begin:
Tobias then lays out what's most important in life to his son.
Now a subject we've discussed before: giving of alms. Remember we need to both sacrifice here, certainly giving of our surplus, but also of our substance. We also need to remember to make a special effort to work, when at all possible, to earn extra money to help those in need.
Prayer is good with fasting and alms more than to lay up treasures of gold.This served as a quick reminder that our efforts every day should be focused more on giving glory to God rather than on ourselves and our material needs and wants: simple but solid advice.
There's more where that came from, so this week let's dig further into the Book of Tobias. It's a relatively short work in the Old Testament that tells the story of a father, Tobias, and his son, also named Tobias. If you haven't read it lately, give it a shot. Meanwhile, we're going to share some of that simple solid advice you'll find throughout the book: common sense suggestions for us Catholic men struggling to strike the right balance in our work and personal lives.
Let's start with Chapter 4 where we find Tobias speaking to his son Tobias. The father, thinking he's dying, wants to give his son, as he calls it, "a foundation in thy heart." Keep "foundation" in mind as we go through these gems. As you'll see, we're back to fundamentals here. Every one of these will strengthen us personally and professionally.
We begin:
...honour they mother all the days of her life: For thou must be mindful what and how great perils she suffered for thee in her womb...Yes, the Fourth Commandment calls us to honor our father and mother. But here we're urged to honor Mom also for the simple fact that it's because of her sacrifice that you're here at all. Remember especially here how a woman frequently suffers while carrying a child. And until recently it wasn't all that rare for a woman to die in childbirth. As for those of you who may have had difficult childhoods, who may harbor some resentment - for whatever your reasons - towards you mother, just remember that you're here because of her. And it's likely that, no matter your subsequent relationship with your mother, getting you here wasn't a piece of cake. So take some time, despite your busy work schedule, to call, to visit, and if and when necessary, to take care of Mom.
...and when she also shall have ended the time of her life, bury her by me...
Tobias then lays out what's most important in life to his son.
...all the days of thy life have God in thy mind: and take heed thou never consent to sin, nor transgress the commandments of the Lord our God...Simple enough; but again most important.
Now a subject we've discussed before: giving of alms. Remember we need to both sacrifice here, certainly giving of our surplus, but also of our substance. We also need to remember to make a special effort to work, when at all possible, to earn extra money to help those in need.
...Give alms out of thy substance, and turn not away thy face from any poor person: for so it shall come to pass that the face of the Lord shall not be turned from thee...And being the caring father that he is, Tobias doesn't just spit out these words of wisdom as if he's giving his son commands; he takes the trouble to explain carefully and explicitly why alms giving will benefit not only the recipient, but the giver as well.
...According to thy ability be merciful. If though have much give abundantly: if though have a little, take care even so to bestow willingly a little...
...For alms deliver from all sin, and from death, and will not suffer the soul to go into darkness. Alms shall be a great confidence before the most high God, to all them that give it...We continue with Tobias's great advice to his son - and to us - next time...
Comments