Scripture:
Tobit 3:1-11a, 16-17a
Mark 12:18-27
Reflection:
A number of years ago, my good friend Penny and I were driving through the country roads of Northern Indiana in Amish country, when we came upon a farmer standing on a tiller guiding six horses around a corner in his field. We pulled over and stopped to watch as he maneuvered that turn. The acres had no visible crops, only the soil this farmer and his six horses were preparing to receive the seeds which would eventually mature, be harvested and provide sustenance to some of God’s creatures. I cannot remember seeing a more powerful picture of God as expressed in man working the earth in harmony with his animals.
I can also relate with the Sadducees in today’s gospel reading who question Jesus: “Teacher, Moses wrote for us, If someone’s brother dies, leaving a wife but no child…” Mark 12:19 And I’m sure Jesus could often say to me: “Are you not misled because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God?” and I thank God for the moments like the above incident where I get to see and know God truly alive in my world.
“I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac,
and the God of Jacob?
He is not God of the dead but of the living.” Mark 12:26-27
Dan O’Donnell is a Passionist Partner and a longtime friend of the Passionists. He lives in Chicago.