People often complain to God when things do not go well or when painful things happen. But when everything turns out well, sometimes God doesn't get thanked or praised! The characters in the Book of Tobit had suffered terribly and even experienced tragedy. But God's compassionate mercy was always at work, so Tobit, Tobias, and Sarah were delivered from danger and restored to health and happiness. They were overwhelmed by God's love and never stopped praising Him. Perhaps we can show more gratitude for what God has done for us and spend a bit of time praising and thanking God. Gratitude gets rid of darkness and negativity in all its forms.

Sometimes we think we have Scripture 'all figured out.' Jesus showed his listeners how their interpretation of Scripture was flawed. The Messiah was far more than the son of David - he was the son of God. The writers of the Gospels all tried to show how the entire Bible was talking about Jesus in one way or another - even in rather hidden ways. From start to finish, the Bible is about the mercy, compassion, and care of God for all humanity. That is the key with which we can open the meaning of Scripture. It also records the many ways in which humans fail to remain on the spiritual path to which God calls them. By meditating on Scripture and allowing it to speak to our heart, we too can draw on its wisdom and inspiration. The Lord will be revealed to us in surprising and illuminating ways.