good-bye

September 13, 2017

The plot to seduce Susanna (Dan 13:13-13:14)

“One day,

They said to each other.

‘Let us go home.

It is time for lunch.’

So,

They both left.

They parted

From each other.

But turning back,

They met again.

When each pressed

The other

For the reason,

They confessed

Their lust.

Then together,

They arranged

For a time

When they could find

Her alone.”

One day, as these two elder judges said good bye to each other, they parted for lunch. However, both of them came back. Then they asked each other why they had come back. Finally, they each confessed their lust for Susanna. Then, they decided to work together to get Susanna alone sometime. The plot was falling into place.

February 22, 2015

The blessing of Raguel for Tobias and Sarah (Tob 10:11-10:12)

“Then Raguel saw them safely off. He embraced Tobias and said.

‘Farewell, my child!

Have a safe journey!

The Lord of heaven prosper you,

The Lord of heaven prosper your wife Sarah,

May I see children of yours before I die.’

Then he kissed his daughter, and said to her.

‘My daughter,

Honor your father-in-law.

Honor your mother-in-law.

From now on they are as much your parents

As those who gave you birth.

Go in peace, daughter!

May I have a good report of you as long as I live.’

Then he bade them farewell and let them go.”

Raguel blessed both Tobias and Sarah his daughter. This is a beautiful blessing. He wanted them to have a safe journey. He wanted them to prosper. He referred to God as the God of heaven, the Persian way of speaking of God. Then he had the wish of all parents, to see grandchildren before he died. For his daughter, he reminded her to honor her new father and mother in-law. She should respect her in-laws like her own parents. He wanted to hear a good report about her as long as he lived. Finally, he said good-bye in this touching farewell.