Context No. 2689 of 4322 · Tobit

Tobit 12:1-5: in context

1And Tobit called his son Tobias, and said to him, “See, my child, that the man which went with you have his wages, and you must give him more.” 2And he said to him, “Father, it is no harm to me to give him the half of those things which I have brought; 3for he has led me for you in safety, and he cured my wife, and brought my money, and likewise cured you.” 4The old man said, “It is due to him.” 5And he called the angel, and said to him, “Take half of all that you have brought.”

The journey is over. Tobias has come home safe, his father's sight is restored, the money recovered. Now Tobit tells his son to pay their guide his wages, and Tobias proposes giving him half of everything they brought back. It is right, the old man agrees, that the helper receive his due.

What moves me here is that they are trying to be just and generous while the whole picture is still hidden from them. They do not know the traveler is an angel who needs no silver at all. But their instinct is sound: render the one who helped you his fair share, and do it gladly. In a moment Raphael will reveal himself and turn their gratitude past the gift, up to the God who sent him. Their honest thanks was already pointed in the right direction, even before they could see its object.

Do I try to give thanks honestly even when I cannot yet see the full hand of God behind my help?

Sources

Tobit 12:6: "Bless God, and give him thanks... show forth to all men the works of God."
Romans 13:7: "Give therefore to everyone what you owe: taxes to whom taxes are due... honor to whom honor."
Luke 10:7: "Remain in that same house, eating and drinking the things they give, for the laborer is worthy of his wages."