Faithful in Love

“I performed many charitable works for my kinsmen and my people…” Tobit 1:3

It’s true, Tobit tried to walk in ways of righteousness. He offered faithfully his tithes and first fruits. He fed the hungry, clothed the naked, and consoled those who needed it. 

During the feast of Weeks, he asked his son to find a poor man to invite to share a meal with him. Then when his son came back informing him that one their kinsmen had been murdered, Tobit dug a grave at sunset to bury him even if he was mocked by his neighbors. 

Blessed Mother Teresa who was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for her missionary work around the world was probably asked several times how she measured the success of her work. Once she replied, “I don’t remember that the Lord ever spoke of success. He spoke only of faithfulness in love. This is the only success that really counts.” Another time, she told her official biographer Navin Chawla, “We are called upon not to be successful, but to be faithful.” 

Our calling is the same as that of Tobit and Blessed Mother Teresa. Our calling is not to be successful, but to be faithful in love.