Magnificat Vol. LVIII, No. 1 19 the gall of the fish, for you will need it.” Tobias unhesitatingly complied with the advice of his guide, and they set off. Their haste could not allay the worries of the elder Tobias and his wife. They had not received any news of their son, but according to their calculations, he should have already returned. Always submissive to the orders of Providence, from time to time, Tobias simply said to Anna, his wife: “Do not allowyourself to become discouraged. I trust that our son is in good health. His traveling companion is a faithful man.” Nevertheless, the poor mother was inconsolable; she would often go to sit on top of a hill overlooking the road, and from there her eyes darkened byweeping would survey the horizon. One day as she was at her usual observation post, she saw two travelers in the distance. A mother’s eyes recognize her son from farther away than anyone else. Running home, she said to her husband, “Here comes your son!” Already they were drawing near to the house, and the faithful dog ran joyfully to meet its masters like a messenger of happiness. Tobias’ father rose, blind as he was, and leaning on a servant, stumbling at every step, hastened to meet his son. Soon Anna and Tobias pressed their beloved child to their hearts, mingling their tears with their embraces. After they had worshiped and thanked the Lord, they sat down at the hearth, which had become joyful again. Following the Angel’s advice, Tobias the Younger took the fish gall and spread it over his father’s eyes. After half an hour some white scar tissue, similar to the film of an egg, began to fall off his eyelids. Tobias seized it with his fingers and pulled it off without effort, and the old man immediately regained his sight. He gave thanks to the Lord. “You were pleasing to God...” Seven days later, Sarah, young Tobias’ wife and all her numerous convoy, arrived happily in Nineveh. The caravan also brought the ten silver talents and the considerable sums given by Raguel to his daughter. Then young Tobias related all the incidents of his journey to his parents, telling them how God had used his companion to fill him with favors, and they all admired the mercies of God. It was not to be feared that such a virtuous family would fail in the sacred duty of gratitude. After the holy rejoicings with which so many happy events were celebrated, Tobias the father summoned his Tobias the Younger heals his father with the remedy indicated by the Angel. Tobias and his parents welcome Sarah, who has arrived safe and sound with a large caravan.
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