Saturday, April 21, 2018

Readings: Acts 9:31-42, Psalm 116, John 5:60-69

Today, in Mercy, we meet the disciple Tabitha who was “completely occupied with good deeds and almsgiving”.  Tabitha, also known as Dorcas, – a prosperous and influential woman – had died. Her community, greatly distressed at her passing, called on Peter to come to them immediately. He did, which proves the esteem in which Tabitha was held. She, like many other women in the early Church, played an integral part in the growth of Christianity. Through the centuries, women in the Church have struggled with a culture of second class citizenship. Recalling the discipleship roles of women like Tabitha can inspire continued conversion from such misperceptions. (Today, no music.  The second powerful image is from Sister Helen David Brancato, IHM.)