Raphael Reveals His Identity

Tobit told his son Tobias to pay the traveller who had gone with him, and to give him more besides. Tobias answered that even half of what they had brought back would not be too much, because this helper had led him safely, brought back the money, cured Sarah, and cured Tobit. Tobit agreed that such a reward was due.

Then the traveller took Tobit and Tobias aside and told them to bless God first. They were to thank him openly and speak with honour about what he had done. He taught them that a king’s secret may be kept, but God’s works should be made known with praise.

He went on to teach them about faithful living. Prayer, fasting, almsgiving, and righteousness are good. A little gained rightly is better than much gained wrongly. He praised giving to those in need and warned that those who choose sin harm their own lives.

Then he explained what had really been happening. When Tobit prayed, and when Sarah his daughter-in-law prayed, he had carried their prayer before the Holy One. He had also seen Tobit’s care in burying the dead. God had sent him to heal Tobit and Sarah. Then he told them his name: Raphael, one of the seven holy angels who present the prayers of the saints before God.

Tobit and Tobias fell down in fear. Raphael told them not to be afraid, but to bless God forever. He said he had come by the will of their God, not from any favour of his own. Though he had appeared to eat and drink, what they saw was a vision. He told them to thank God and write these things in a book. Then they saw him no more, and they praised God for his wonderful works.