Tobit 11:5-17 / Mark 12:35-37
It is not everyday that tears well up in our eyes. And when tears do well up in our eyes, there certainly must be a reason for it.
It could be because of something emotional, something painful or hurtful, that teardrops begin to fall.
Generally, it could be said that tears are the result of something sad or bad, but it also cannot be denied that there are tears of joy and gladness.
In the 1st reading, there were a lot of tears. Anna, the mother of Tobias, wept when she met her son.
Tobit, when he was healed of his blindness, was able to see his son again and he also wept.
And although it was not said, but it is quite certain that there were tears in the eyes of Tobias when he saw the blessing that God was bestowing on him and his family. And there would also be tears in the eyes of Sarah when she was warmly welcomed to the family.
Yes, those were tears of joy and gladness. But those tears of joy and gladness came after a very difficult time for Tobias and his family.
In those difficult times, we also can be certain that there were many tears of sorrow and pain.
It is said that a tear is 1% water and 99% feelings. So tears are the silent language of grief.
But tears are prayers too. And they travel to God when we can't speak (Ps 56:8) In other words, tears are simply the raindrops from the storms inside of us.
So when sorrow, grief and pain well up the tears in our eyes, let us turn to God who will wipe away those tears from our eyes and turn our sorrow into joy.
He did it for Tobias and his family. He will also do it for us.