June 2, Tuesday Weekday

The heart of the just one is firm, trusting in the Lord.--Psalm 112:(see 7)

Mass readings: Tobit 2:9-14 / Mark 12:13-17

What Anna Didn't Know

Who hasn't felt like poor Tobit? Though he clearly goes to great lengths to do good, things don't go well for him. Bird droppings on his eyes cause a blindness that lasts for several years. Can we blame his wife, Anna, for wondering sarcastically what good being virtuous has done him? Today's Psalm may frustrate us, too (when we hear that the man who fears the Lord ''has no fear of evil news''), because we all know some very good people who have received very bad news.

Christian faith offers consolation that wasn't available to Tobit and Anna. Christ is the true just One, who receives both the ultimate injustice and the ultimate vindication. Our hope rests in our living in Christ.

Prayer: Teach us, Lord, to hope in You -- in Your presence, Your justice, Your love.