The Holy Spirit Makes Us Bear Authentic Witness To Christ

SATURDAY OF THE THIRD WEEK OF EASTERTIDE

Acts 9:31-42:
John 6:60-69:

One of the primary themes that emerges in today’s readings is discipleship, which refers to someone who follows something or someone. In the book of Acts, we learn about the disciples of Jesus, some of whom were called apostles – individuals who are sent with a special mission or job. While the Bible sometimes uses this word in a general sense, we are more likely to read specifically about the 12 Apostles of Jesus who were chosen by Him during his ministry. In Acts 2, we learn that they were given the power to perform miracles and help people understand that the news about Jesus was true.

Lydda, which is not far from Jerusalem, was already home to an established church by this time. One of the disciples there was a woman named Tabitha (Dorcas in Greek). The church’s love for this woman is evident in the way they mourned her when she became ill and subsequently passed away.

When the members of the church in Joppa heard that Peter was nearby, in Lydda, two men were sent to urge him to come back with them. Peter had been with Jesus when He raised Jairus’ daughter, and he asked the crowd to leave the room in the same way Jesus had. Peter then knelt to pray and turned to Dorcas, saying, “Tabitha, get up.”

Tabitha, also known as Dorcas, is referred to as a disciple. The term “disciple” essentially means “learner.” Tabitha is the only woman in the New Testament who is singled out as a “disciple” of Jesus, which speaks volumes about her. She was a remarkable woman who made a conscious effort to honor the Lord Jesus.

Tabitha is also mentioned as being full of “charitable deeds.” It appears that she was a relatively affluent individual, which allowed her to do a significant amount of charitable work. Without Tabitha’s charitable deeds, some of these widows may not have had clothing. God expects us to be full of “charitable deeds.”

Paul tells the Ephesian elders, “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.'” “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).

In today’s gospel, Jesus says, “It is the Spirit that gives life.” The Holy Spirit helps us become true disciples and allows us to be fruitful because He is a generous God. So, how can we repay the Lord for His goodness to us? We can give our hearts to Jesus in total submission and gratitude today. Christ alone is the rock we stand on; all other grounds are sinking sand.

PRAYER

Lord Jesus, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. You are the blessing to humanity. Help me with your Holy Spirit to search for the meaning and purpose of my life. Draw me closer to you that I may listen to you and do your will always. Amen.

Fr Joseph Osho