Our Easter meditation today captures the raising of Tabitha
to life. This lady was known for her kindness and acts of charity among the
believers at Joppa. But she fell sick and died. They laid her in the upper room
and sent Peter to come over immediately. Tabitha’s good works were so great
that death could not destroy the imprints she left in their hearts. Charity performed
with the grace of the resurrection comes alive; it carries the impact of such force
that can conquer the grave. That is why the Eucharist and the Holy Spirit are
given to us, to nourish us and inspire us from within, so that our lives and
actions will have an eternal impact. Jesus says, “It is the Spirit that gives
life, the flesh is of no avail; the words that I have spoken to you are spirit
and life.”
When Peter arrived, “All the widows stood beside him
weeping, and showing coats and garments which Tabitha made while she was with
them.” Peter went in, knelt down and prayed, “Then turning to the body he said,
‘Tabitha, rise.’” She opened her eyes and sat up. Seeing this miracle, many
believed in the Lord. The raising of Tabitha led to the raising of many to
faith in Jesus Christ. And the raising of Tabitha was achieved through the
intervention of believers who were inspired by her good works. Thus, Tabitha’s
kindness and charity in faith, working through her sufferings and death, became
for her a deeper participation in the sufferings and death of Jesus Christ, and
brought saving grace to her and to those who believed through her.
Therefore, Jesus said, “This is why I told you that no one
can come to me unless it is granted him by the Father.” The silent touch of the
Holy Spirit makes the difference: a little word or action that springs up from
the prompting of the Holy Spirit, sprouts out like the tiny mustard seed that
grows to become a mighty tree of salvation. Hence, we echo the words of Peter
and say to Jesus today, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of
eternal life; and we have believed, and have come to know, that you are the Holy
One of God.” Amen
Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R
Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church,
Tedi-Muwo, Ojo, Lagos.
Saturday 29, 2023.
