The Book of Tobit
The Ministry of Angels
The Book of Tobit is a beautiful, narrative book that tells the story of two suffering families: the elderly The Book of Tobit (blind and exiled) and the young Sarah. Through the intervention of the Archangel Raphael, God brings healing, a holy marriage, and restoration. For Catholics, it is the primary guide for understanding Guardian Angels, the power of charitable works, and the sanctity of Marriage.
I. Tobit: The Virtue of Almsgiving
Tobit is defined by his commitment to the works of mercy—specifically Burying the Dead and Almsgiving. Even in blindness, he remains faithful. His core teaching is that "Alms deliver from all sin, and from death" (Chapter 4). This highlights the Catholic understanding that charitable works are a fruit of faith that "covers a multitude of sins."
"Prayer is good with fasting and alms, more than to lay up treasures of gold: For alms delivereth from death, and the same is that which purgeth away sins." (Tobit 12:8-9) Read in Context →
II. The Archangel Raphael: Our Guardian
God sends the Archangel Raphael (meaning "Healer of God") to accompany young Tobias. Raphael protects him, provides a remedy for his father’s blindness, and introduces him to his wife, Sarah. Raphael is the biblical foundation for the Church’s teaching on Guardian Angels—personal messengers who guide our path.
III. The Sanctity of Marriage
Tobias and Sarah's marriage is the focal point. Before union, they spend three days in Prayer and Fasting, prioritizing the spiritual over the physical. Their marriage is a model of the Sacrament: it is a "Remedy" against the demon of lust and a "Blessing" for the building of a holy family.
IV. Healing and Recognition
After the mission, Raphael reveals his identity: "I am the angel Raphael, one of the seven, who stand before the Lord." This emphasizes that angels are powerful intercessors who present our prayers to God. The book ends with Tobit’s blindness being cured and a magnificent song of praise.
V. Catholic Significance: Marriage & Mercy
Tobit is one of the "Deuterocanonical" books, essential for the theology of Marriage and the Works of Mercy. The prayer of Tobias and Sarah (Chapter 8) is often used in Catholic Wedding liturgies to remind the couple that their union is a sacred calling with a divine purpose.
Spiritual Tip: Pray to Archangel Raphael for the protection of your family and for the grace of holy 'Almsgiving'—sharing what you have with those who have nothing.
VI. Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 'Fish' in Tobit?
The fish (Chapter 6) provides the "remedy" for blindness and for driving away the demon. The Fathers of the Church often see this fish as a symbol of Christ, whose Sacrifice provides the medicine for our spiritual blindness.
Why is this book not in all Bibles?
Protestant reformers removed several books found in the original Greek Old Testament (Septuagint). Catholics retain them as inspired, as they have been used by the Church since apostolic times.