To be a person of faith can be a costly affair. We are often impelled to act in ways that occasion untoward consequences. This was the experience of Tobit. His faith drove him to help bury a murdered countryman - a corporal work of mercy. His resultant ritual uncleanness - because of contact with a corpse - necessitated that he take his rest in the courtyard. Hence his observance of the law was the cause of his suffering - his loss of sight. Yet Tobit gives no sign of regretting his actions or of resentment towards God. He continues to be zealous for justice, even to the point of incurring the wrath of his wife.

The costliness of our faith is exemplified by Christ. His insistence on proclaiming the Kingdom the way His Father wanted Him to, provoked the resistance that we read about in today's Gospel passage, which ultimately led Him to Calvary. But His trust in His Father was rewarded. Christ was obedient, even unto death, and God raised Him high.

It ought to be the same for us. Our beliefs might perhaps lead us to refrain from appropriating office stationery for non-official use or to keep to the speed limit even when everybody is doing otherwise or to speak out for the oppressed and marginalised. Are we willing to pay the price? How costly is our faith?