St. Raphael the Archangel - Patron of Doctors, Nurses, Lovers, and Travelers - October 24th
The Holy Bible tells us that a very kind and devout man named Tobias had become blind. But in his suffering, he remained as faithful to God as ever. One day, desiring to collect some money that a man owed him, he sent his son, young Tobias, off on a long trip to this man’s country. As the youth was about to leave, a handsome young man who called himself Azarias offered to go with him as his guide. Young Tobias soon found out what a wonderful companion he had! Azarias saved him from a monstrous fish and brought him to the home of a relative whose daughter, Sara, Tobias married on the advice of Azarias.
Sara was a holy young woman who had begged God to give her a good husband. Her prayer, too, was answered when Tobias asked her to be his wife. In the meantime, Azarias went on to collect the money owed to Tobias. When he got back, he and the young couple set off for home. Young Tobias and Azarias went on ahead toward the end of the trip. What joy there was when young Tobias’ worried parents saw him arriving! Next, Azarias told his friend to take the gall of the fish and apply it to his father’s eyes. He did do, and Tobias regained his sight! Meanwhile, Sara, the rich and beautiful bride of young Tobias, arrived with all the servants, cattle, camels, and money which was her dowry. For a whole week, everyone celebrated the wonderful happiness that had come to Tobias and his family.
The good man and his son were so grateful to the young man, Azarias, that they did not know how they would ever repay him. When they called him aside to ask him to accept half of all they owned, he revealed a tremendous secret to them: “I am the Angel Raphael,” he declared, “one of the seven who stand before the Lord!” Tobias and his son were filled with fear and fell to the ground. “Peace be to you, and fear not,” said the Archangel. “For when I was with you, I was there by the will of God.” He told them that God was pleased with Tobias because he had prayed, done penance and helped so many people. So He had sent St. Raphael to bring him many blessings. “It is time that I return to God,” Raphael concluded, and with that he was taken from their sight and they could see him not more.
To make sure that our prayers are heard by God, we should accompany them, as Tobias did, with little sacrifices and acts of charity toward our neighbor.