Acts 9:31-42
Ps. 115(116):12-17
John 6:60-69
GOD CALLS US TO EMBRACE HIS GENEROUS LOVE
One profound theme that jumps off the pages of today’s readings is the concept of discipleship! A disciple is not just any follower; they are passionate adventurers pursuing something or someone great. In the book of Acts, we encounter the incredible disciples of Jesus, some of whom were chosen as apostles. Who is an apostle, you may ask? It’s someone sent on a thrilling mission—filled with purpose and power! While the Bible occasionally uses the term loosely, we often focus on the 12 Apostles of Jesus, handpicked during His transformative ministry. These extraordinary individuals were empowered to perform miracles and unveil the thrilling truth about Jesus to the world!
Now, just a stone’s throw from Jerusalem is Lydda, and by this time, an amazing community of faith had already flourished in Joppa. Among this vibrant church was a beloved disciple named Tabitha (or Dorcas in Greek). The heartwarming love the church had for Tabitha is evident in their profound mourning when she fell ill and, heartbreakingly, passed away.
When the devoted church members in Joppa caught wind that Peter was nearby in Lydda, they sprang into action! Two men raced to urge him to return with them. Peter, having witnessed the miraculous raising of Jairus’ daughter by Jesus, knew just what to do. He asked the crowd to leave the room, mirroring Jesus’ own actions. Kneeling in prayer, Peter turned to Tabitha and commanded, “Tabitha, get up!”
Tabitha—this remarkable woman—is the ONLY female in the New Testament specifically identified as a “disciple” of Jesus. That’s simply extraordinary! It speaks volumes about her incredible character and devotion to honoring the Lord.
But there’s more! Tabitha was described as being full of “charitable deeds.” She appears to have been quite affluent, using her means to bless others through her generosity. It’s likely that without Tabitha’s charitable spirit, many widows would have gone without clothing and support. God calls us to embody that same spirit of generosity!
In his message to the Ephesian elders, Paul passionately declares, “I have shown you in every way, by laboring like this, that you must support the weak. And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive’” (Acts 20:35). He adds, “Whoever has this world’s goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him?” (1 Jn 3:17).
It is the Spirit that breathes life, as Jesus beautifully reminds us in today’s gospel. The Holy Spirit empowers us to be true disciples and fills our lives with fruitfulness because He is a generous God! So, what about offering your heart to Jesus today—a thrilling act of total submission and thanksgiving? How can I repay the Lord for His incredible goodness to me? Yes, Christ alone is the Rock on which I stand; all other ground is sinking sand, just quicksand! Let’s engage in this heartfelt journey together by being generous like our Lord who offer himself as the bread of life!
Fr Joseph Osho
