Homily: 9th Week of Ordinary Time - Tuesday - Repay God what belongs to God

Blindness, both physical and spiritual runs throughout our scripture readings today. 

Tobit was known as a holy and just man of deep faith.  He had served his community.  When he temporarily lost his eyesight, his wife went to work to make ends meet—take up sewing and repairing torn and ripped clothing.   She received a just wage for her work, and we heard today how a client gave her a goat, for her hard work, as a bonus.

You could imagine how hurt she must have been, when her husband accused her of stealing the goat.  His damaged pride seemed to be blinding him to the good of his wife.  His pride kept him from being able to rejoice with his wife over a job well done.  If anyone ever deserved a good tongue-lashing from his wife, it was probably Tobit here.

Similarly, the Pharisees and Herodians in the Gospel are blind to Jesus.  They address him as Teacher, they call him truthful, they claim he teaches the way of God.  All that they say is true, but they do so disingenuously.  And they are blind to his true identity. 

Spiritual blindness can affect both our human relationships and our relationship with God.  On the one hand, just like Tobit, we can be blind because of our hurt pride, bruised egos and treat, our spouses, family members, and friends, with a sort of nastiness or coldness.  Tobit’s temporary blindness was surely an unfortunate circumstance.  We too can let bitterness about our unfortunate circumstances or setbacks taint the goodness of life, and cause us to be blind to God’s blessings—that Tobit had a wife who was able to care for him in his disability. Tobit was a holy man—but self-righteousness can also be blinding—it can blind us to the fact that we are being disprectful to people’s time or abilities.

And on the other hand, are the Pharisees--blind to what the Lord was doing in their midst. 

Jesus called them to repay to God what belongs to God.  God lays claim to our whole being—mind, heart, soul, and strength. Jesus was warning his listeners, do not give to Caesar what belongs to God alone and to his Son: your absolute, unconditional allegiance and devotion.

Sometimes, in our blindness, we say, well, I’m giving God enough. Rather, everything we do, every choice, every decision, every word, is to be put at God’s service.  May we be free from all spiritual blindness and faithful to Him in all things today for the glory of God and salvation of souls.