Daily Mass Readings – Tuesday, 1 June 2027

9 Now it happened one day, that being wearied with burying, he came to his house, and cast himself down by the wall and slept,

10 And as he was sleeping, hot dung out of a swallow’s nest fell upon his eyes, and he was made blind. Now this trial the Lord therefore permitted to happen to him, that an example might be given to posterity of his patience, as also of holy Job. For whereas he had always feared God from his infancy, and kept his commandments, he repined not against God because the evil of blindness had befallen him, But continued immoveable in the fear of God, giving thanks to God all the days of his life. For as the kings insulted over holy Job: so his relations and kinsmen mocked at his life, saying: Where is thy hope, for which thou gavest alms, and buriedst the dead? But Tobias rebuked them, saying: Speak not so: For we are the children of the saints, and look for that life which God will give to those that never change their faith from him.

11 Now Anna his wife went daily to weaving work, and she brought home what she could get for their living by the labour of her hands.

12 Whereby it came to pass, that she received a young kid, and brought it home:

13 And when her husband heard it bleating, he said: Take heed, lest perhaps it be stolen: restore ye it to its owners, for it is not lawful for us either to eat or to touch any thing that cometh by theft.

14 At these words his wife being angry answered: It is evident thy hope is come to nothing, and thy alms now appear. And with these, and other such like words she upbraided him.

R. (7c) The heart of the just one is firm, trusting in the Lord.

or

R. Alleluia.

1 Blessed is the man that feareth the Lord: he shall delight exceedingly in his commandments.

2 His seed shall be mighty upon earth: the generation of the righteous shall be blessed.

R. The heart of the just one is firm, trusting in the Lord.

or

R. Alleluia.

7 The just shall be in everlasting remembrance: he shall not hear the evil hearing. His heart is ready to hope in the Lord:

8 His heart is strengthened, he shall not be moved until he look over his enemies.

R. The heart of the just one is firm, trusting in the Lord.

or

R. Alleluia.

9 He hath distributed, he hath given to the poor: his justice remaineth for ever and ever: his horn shall be exalted in glory.

R. The heart of the just one is firm, trusting in the Lord.

or

R. Alleluia.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

17, 18 May the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ enlighten the eyes of our hearts, that we may know what is the hope that belongs to his call.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

13 And they sent to him some of the Pharisees and of the Herodians; that they should catch him in his words.

14 Who coming, say to him: Master, we know that thou art a true speaker, and carest not for any man; for thou regardest not the person of men, but teachest the way of God in truth. Is it lawful to give tribute to Caesar; or shall we not give it?

15 Who knowing their wiliness, saith to them: Why tempt you me? bring me a penny that I may see it.

16 And they brought it him. And he saith to them: Whose is this image and inscription? They say to him, Caesar’s.

17 And Jesus answering, said to them: Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s. And they marvelled at him.

Tobias remains faithful when blindness, poverty, and the mockery of those close to him could have made him bitter. Even when his wife questions the value of his hope and almsgiving, he refuses to accept what may have been stolen. His suffering does not loosen his hold on God’s commandments. The psalm gives words to this steadfastness: the heart of the just person is firm because it trusts in the Lord.

Jesus likewise refuses to be drawn into a false choice. Caesar may receive what properly belongs to Caesar, but God must receive what belongs to God. The coin bears Caesar’s image; our whole life stands under God’s claim. The hope spoken of in the Alleluia is meant to enlighten the eyes of our hearts, especially when faithfulness seems unrewarded. We may fulfill our responsibilities honestly, yet never surrender conscience or compromise what is true. Tobias shows that this fidelity can be quiet and practical: refusing dishonesty, continuing to give, and remaining steady when others do not understand. A heart anchored in God does not need to win every argument; it needs to remain faithful.

Faithful God, strengthen my heart when suffering, disappointment, or the words of others make trust difficult. Enlighten the eyes of my heart to recognize the hope of your call. Teach me to fulfill my duties with honesty while remembering that my life belongs first to you. Keep me from accepting what is unjust or speaking against another in bitterness. Give me courage to remain faithful in small choices, generous toward those in need, and steady when obedience brings no immediate reward. May my life bear the mark of your truth and love. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.