breaking points?
"I did not know there were birds perched on the wall above me, till their warm droppings settled in my eyes, causing cataracts." —Tobit 2:10
Tobit was a prisoner of war (Tb 1:2) and an exile (Tb 1:3). Nevertheless, Tobit did not let that get him down. Tobit went on "pilgrimage alone to Jerusalem" to worship the true God (Tb 1:6). He even risked his life when he defied the Assyrian government by burying his fellow Jews (Tb 1:17ff).
War, imprisonment, and exile did not break Tobit's spirit, but Satan had even more devious and destructive plans for Tobit. Bird droppings hit Tobit in the eyes and caused cataracts (Tb 2:10). The doctor's "cure" caused Tobit to go blind (Tb 2:10). He was blind for four years (Tb 2:10). Tobit had marital problems and falsely accused his wife of stealing (Tb 2:13-14). Anna, his wife, called Tobit a hypocrite (Tb 2:14), and Tobit's spirit was broken. He was depressed and near despair (Tb 3:1).
Satan is trying to break you. Discouragement is one of his major strategies. Don't give in. "Do not grow despondent or abandon the struggle" (Heb 12:3). Jesus promises: "I tell you all this that in Me you may find peace. You will suffer in the world. But take courage! I have overcome the world" (Jn 16:33).
Prayer: Father, on this day after Pentecost, may we "encourage one another daily while it is still 'today' " (Heb 3:13).
Promise: "Their amazement at Him knew no bounds." —Mk 12:17
Praise: With great zeal, St. Boniface continued to bear hardship in his missionary work until he was martyred at age eighty.
Nihil Obstat: Reverend Robert L. Hagedorn, January 4, 2001
Imprimatur: †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, January 24, 2001