“At that very time...”

In today’s first reading (Tobit 3:1-11a, 16-17), two good people are in the absolute depths of despair: one afflicted with a physical ailment, the other afflicted with serious relationship problems.

In their time of despair, they prayed to God.

At that very time,
the prayer of these two suppliants
was heard in the glorious presence of Almighty God.

So Raphael was sent to heal them both...

We may have reason to feel badly about things – perhaps even very, very badly – but we must never give up hope and most importantly we must always pray to God so that he may comfort us with His grace and lead us safely through our times of trouble in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.