Taking Responsibility for Those Who Have Less

Upon Tabitha’s death, the disciples in Joppa, knowing that Peter is in the vicinity, send for him. Peter is greeted by mourners and recipients of Tabitha’s good works with evidence of her generosity. Perhaps Tabitha was wise enough to know the wisdom in the old adage “you can’t take it with you,” so it is likely that she used resources to help others rather than for her own needs. It’s customary to note that Jesus cared for and moved among the poor and the dispossessed, that he took sides with those on the margins. Yes. But today’s lesson from Acts depicts the risen Christ, in the power of the Holy Spirit, moving among the poor by working through a genuinely good person who used what she had in service to others. In her life and death, she is put forth as an example for the rest of us would-be disciples.