Today's reading from Tobit is heavy. Sarah, daughter of Raguel, was married seven times. Each husband died on the night of the wedding, causing eyebrows to raise about the character and apparent curse of Sarah. This sorrow was the sister of scandal. Sarah's very worth and identity were called into question. In the darkness of despair, Sarah contemplated ending her life. Thwarted by the further shame this would bring upon her father, Sarah instead prayed that God Himself would end her life.

It is not difficult for me to place myself in Sarah's shoes. Maybe you can relate to her more than you would like to admit, too.

The feeling of failure. The sense of inadequacy. The loss of hope or direction. The rejection, shame, and fear. The sadness of being an inconvenience or of disappointing those you love.

When all these sorrows culminate and compound it can leave us wondering if it's still worth moving forward.

Sister, it is.

Today's readings ooze with references to the Lord's merciful love and salvation. All His ways are mercy, and His mercy is unending.

If you have been struggling alongside Sarah, this message of mercy and salvation is for you. If you feel like no one sees the suffering of your heart—the Lord, in His kindness, sees and mourns with you. If you're in the snares of depression, self-harm, or self-hatred, the Good News of Jesus Christ is for you. Lift up your soul to the Lord (see Responsorial Psalm). Cry out like Sarah did, confident that the God Who loved you into being has not stopped loving you now.

This week, step out in faith. Talk to a friend. Reach out to your pastor. Schedule a counseling appointment. Or if you know someone in Sarah's shoes, be the friend who endlessly cares. Keep reaching out and checking in.

Wherever you are, know that God is the bringer of light and life. He is the God of the living (see the Gospel), and He wants you to be alive in Him.

[bctt tweet="He wants you to be alive in Him. // @to_the_heights" username="blessedisshe__"]

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