In the First Reading Tobit is presented as an Israelite of the highest character. Under the previous pagan king he had lost all his property because he insisted on burying Jews who had been killed or murdered. Burying the dead was a sacred responsibility for the Jews. Now the king is dead and we see Tobit first instructing his son, Tobias, to go and look for a poor man with whom they can share their table. Tobias returns with the news that a Jew has been killed and left dead in the public market. Tobit immediately goes to recover the body for burial, in spite of what he had suffered before for doing this. How ready am I to run risks, to face criticism, hostility or contempt, for being faithful to my Christian calling? If am ready, then I am in good company. There is Jesus and a long list of saints who have gone before me. Anyone who wants to be a follower of Jesus must be ready to carry their cross every day.