Who would have blamed Tobias if he had run the other way? Others had tried to marry the young woman but had been killed by the demon. Throughout the story, however, Tobias is consistently kind and pure in heart, and he trusts completely in God. His trust in God allows him to be unafraid, and the story has a happy conclusion. The story of Tobit is not history, but a moral and spiritual tale. But our lives are history, and when we face our own fears and struggles with the same courage, single-mindedness, and trust in God, we too will be victorious. Just as Tobias, we are never alone; God's messengers are continually at our side.

Even if the entire Bible were lost except for this passage in Mark, we would still have the essence of the Gospel and a clear picture of God's commandment for us. Jesus calls to mind the Jewish tradition - Deuteronomy and Leviticus - to answer the scribe's question. Nothing new under the sun! The love that God calls us to is not sentimental or romantic. It is practical and a hard taskmaster. Love is not easy, but learning how to love is the sole reason that we are on earth. It is a call not to like everyone - that would be impossible - but to treat everyone with kindness, respect, and a desire for their well-being. This is always shown in deeds. We never need to ask what God wants of us. God's will for us is present in the people we meet each day.