16 Vol. LVIII, No. 1 Magnificat “May the memory of Jehovah, our God, never fade from your heart. Above all, beware of committing a sin by disregarding His holy Law. In your possessions, always reserve a portion for alms, and do not turn your face away from the needy, if you want God to look down upon you. If you have much, give much; if you have little, give that little willingly. Thus you will gather great treasures for the day of distress, for almsgiving delivers the soul from sin and saves it from eternal darkness. Before the Most High God, great will be the confidence of all those who have loved the poor. “My son, beware of the vice of impurity. Fear even the beginning of an inclination that would lead to crime. “Do not let pride, the principle of all perdition, penetrate your soul or color your words. Do not do unto others whatever would displease you. Give the worker his wages, the hungry his food, the naked his clothing. Seek the counsel of wise men, and bless God at all times, praying to Him to direct your steps and favor your undertakings.” Thus the holy man put all the great duties as well as all the great interests of his son in the forefront. Only at the end did he say to him: “In your childhood, my son, I entrusted ten silver talents to Gabelus in Rages, a city of the Medes. The bond, signed by him, is in my hands. Consider how you may be able to make this journey, in order to regain possession of this sum. Moreover, have no fear: although we lead a poor life, we will have enough of good things if we live in fear of the Lord, the horror of sin and zeal for good works.” Young Tobias replied: “Father, I will do everything you have commanded me; but I do not knowhow to recover the money. Gabelus does not know me, nor do I know him. Moreover, I have no idea of the road that leads to Medea.” His father concluded, saying: “As for Gabelus, I have his bond; you will only have to show it to him, and I am sure he will give you the ten talents. As for the journey, look for a faithful guide among our brothers who will agree to accompany you. We will pay him for his trouble upon your return.” Young Tobias went at once to look for a guide. And behold, he saw a young gentleman with a noble, kindly demeanor coming to meet him. He was wearing traveling garb, apparently all ready to set out. Tobias, not knowing that he was an Angel of God, greeted him and said, “Who are you, my fine young man?” “I am a child of Israel.” “Do you know the way to Rages, a city of the Medes?” “I know it perfectly well because I have resided with our brother Gabelus, who lives in that city.” “Wait for me a moment,” exclaimed young Tobias, “I will go and tell this news to my father.” Amazed by this happy encounter, the elder Tobias wanted to see the stranger. With him it was agreed that he would accompany Tobias’ son, and that upon his return he would be given a reward. The venerable Patriarch gave his blessing to the two travelers, and after bidding them farewell, they set out on their journey. Tobias blesses his son as he is about to undertake the journey to Medea.
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