Monday, May 5, 2025  

Today's Scripture
Acts 9:36–43

Now in Joppa there was a disciple whose name was Tabitha, which in Greek is Dorcas. She was devoted to good works and acts of charity. At that time she became ill and died. When they had washed her, they laid her in a room upstairs. Since Lydda was near Joppa, the disciples, who heard that Peter was there, sent two men to him with the request, “Please come to us without delay.” So Peter got up and went with them; and when he arrived, they took him to the room upstairs. All the widows stood beside him, weeping and showing tunics and other clothing that Dorcas had made while she was with them. Peter put all of them outside, and then he knelt down and prayed. He turned to the body and said, “Tabitha, get up.” Then she opened her eyes, and seeing Peter, she sat up. He gave her his hand and helped her up. Then calling the saints and widows, he showed her to be alive. This became known throughout Joppa, and many believed in the Lord. Meanwhile he stayed in Joppa for some time with a certain Simon, a tanner. (NRSV)

Reflection

During these 50 days of Eastertide, this story of Dorcas is a wake-up call for me. It reminds me that I can’t just go back to my routine, that I must live as a disciple every day. 

Tabitha, also called Dorcas, was known for her good works and acts of charity. When she falls ill and dies, the community is devastated. Her death is marked by mourning, but the community’s faith in God’s power remains firm. They send for Peter, believing that God might still work a miracle.

The scene is filled with deep emotion — the personal loss of a beloved member and the tangible legacy of her kindness. Peter, living out his discipleship by loving God, responds not with despair but with faith and prayer, and then he calls Dorcas back to life. The result is a miraculous resurrection that not only restores Dorcas but serves as a sign of God’s power to transform life and death.

And, then the key verse: “and many believed in the Lord.” We are reminded that hope transcends even death and that we are called to follow Jesus. We are called to love God with our whole beings, to love our neighbors as ourselves, and to love our enemies. 

It is more than just believing. We are all called to model Christ’s life for each other and for the world — to truly commit to embodying the transformative power of love and generosity.

And many believed in the Lord. May it be so. 

Prayer
Spirit of the Living God, descend on me today. Help me to live my life in service, compassion, and generosity, reflecting your love to all those around me. May my life be a testimony to your glory. In Christ’s name, I pray. Amen.

Written by Marc Miller, Member of Fourth Presbyterian Church

Reflection and Prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church

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