What does Tobias Chapter 12 record?

Following his miraculous healing and joyous family reunion, the elder Tobias called his son aside to consider what compensation they should give to the faithful guide who had accompanied him. Young Tobias reflected on the extraordinary benefits he had received, recounting how the companion had led him safely to Media and back, recovered the ten talents lent to Gabelus, secured his marriage with Sara while expelling the demon Asmodeus, gave joy to her parents, saved him from the predatory river fish, and restored his father's eyesight. Convinced that ordinary wages could never equal such service, the son urged his father to offer the companion half of all the wealth, goods, and animals they had brought back from Media. Summoning their guide into private consultation, father and son earnestly pleaded with him to accept half of all things they had brought.

The traveling companion responded in confidence, urging them to give thanks to the God of heaven and proclaim His mercy before all living beings. He explained that while it is prudent to conceal the secret counsel of an earthly sovereign, it is honorable to make known and openly celebrate the marvelous works of God. Commending prayer accompanied by fasting and generous almsgiving above the accumulation of gold, he taught that charity delivers the soul from death, purges away transgressions, and leads to everlasting life, whereas persistent sinners remain their own worst enemies. He then disclosed the mystery of his mission: whenever Tobias had wept in prayer, abandoned his dinner to bury slain Israelites, and concealed corpses by day to inter them by night, this companion had presented his prayers directly before the Lord. Because Tobias was pleasing to God, it was necessary that trial should test his fidelity. Now God had sent him to cure Tobias's eyes and liberate Sara from demonic torment, revealing that he was the angel Raphael, one of the seven who stand in the presence of the Lord.

Upon hearing this proclamation, both father and son were filled with dread and fell face down upon the earth in terror. The angel reassured them, bidding them peace and telling them not to fear. He explained that his presence among them was by the will of God, commanding them to bless and praise God continually. Although he had appeared to share their meals, he actually subsisted on invisible food and drink imperceptible to mortal eyes. Stating that it was time for him to return to the Lord who sent him, he instructed them once more to praise God and declare His wonderful deeds. Raphael then vanished from their sight. Overwhelmed with reverent awe, Tobias and his son lay prostrate upon the earth for three hours, praising God, after which they arose and openly recounted all the marvelous deeds the Lord had accomplished.