I hope you also delight in hearing the readings from Acts and John during this post-Resurrection season. Last week we heard the powerful story of Saul’s conversion – from murderous antipathy of Jesus’ followers, to Paul, of belief and bold proclamation. And today, this passage with Peter restoring life to a woman shepherd, a “pastor” beloved by her community.
These readings dispel my impatience with Peter – in the Gospels always jostling to be closest to Jesus; and his attestations of loyalty – that collapse into betrayal, at the worst possible moment.
In last Sunday’s Gospel, Post – resurrection Peter jumped from his fishing boat to greet the risen Jesus. Eager, I sense, to set things straight with He who forever forgives.
Today Peter is summoned: to the grief-stricken companions of Tabitha, a woman whose mourners grieved for the heart and healer of their community. She had woven this circle of widows together – literally – through the fine clothes she made them, and all in need. Now they just aren’t ready to let her go! Alone, any one of them – Tabitha included – would have been vulnerable as a widow. We learn only that she never tired of caring for her neighbors. Her friends’ testimony to that endless generosity was enough for Peter.
Peter saw her, and her female companions: saw them through Jesus’ eyes.
Summoning Jesus’ healing power and words, Peter calls for her to stand up from her deathbed and – carry on!! This story caused many in Joffa to believe in Jesus. Peter stayed on in that town, building upon the work begun by Tabitha.
Tabitha, or Dorcas, in Greek, is the only woman named as a disciple in all the Gospels.
A woman who gathered and loved, who pastored God’s sheep, & kept them from harm.
I appreciate that we can lift her up on Mother’s Day, whether she bore children or not.
Psalm 23 and John’s Gospel both share the imagery of sheep and shepherds, both challenge us, as Pope Frances did, to “smell like the sheep”: We’re called to share life directly, with people whose lives and needs are different than ours. To allow our priorities, our ballots, budgets, and precious time – to be shaped by the needs of those most vulnerable; To restore the breaches in our society.
Many in this Assembly have long been connected and engaged in this way with their local and broader communities. If you are newer to this circle and want to learn more about the things members are involved with beyond this circle, start asking around! We can learn from hearing of your experiences too.
None of us need to be “perfect” or fit a certain profile to be welcome at this table; nor to earn favor with our Shepherd, because we’ve all been claimed. Heck, the early believers took in Saul who had murdered followers of Jesus, and Peter, the everyman doofus, and they were utterly transformed as followers. While Peter and Paul’s journeys to faith differed greatly, those differences opened access to Jesus for the world!
I find a lot to be grateful for, including these stories, this week.
It has been an interesting one!
I trust that the outcome of the recent ‘global’ election of a new pope, Leo XIV will be for the global good. I am grateful for his willingness to denounce the egregious behaviour of those seizing power for their own gain – and refusing the basic needs of the world’s people. I pray that he will use his global pulpit to stand forcefully against war: in Gaza, in Ukraine, and across the world.
Robert Prevost and I studied at the same seminary as in the early 1980’s, where the diverse faculty included women theologians, and we women were welcomed and respected. While I don’t see ordination for RC women in this era, I fondly hope that women who’ve experienced that call and been shut out, take heart from Tabitha.
We persist in the grace of discipleship bestowed by our baptism, and you can trust that in this circle, we are seen.
With appreciation for Pope Francis’ deep commitment to the poor, to worker justice, his embrace of the young, and infectious JOY, let us wish Pope Leo the very best in his new role and lift our voices in prayer.
We pray today for mothers all around the world:
For our own mothers, may those who live have joy and health on this day. For those who have died, especially Sister Lynn’s mother and Saul Troia: may they rest in peace; and may those who mourn find peace as well, We pray:
For mothers and grandmothers in countries at war: Ukraine, Palestine, Myanmar, the Sudan and Ethiopia, and other lands experiencing great violence,
Let us pray for their present survival, and for peace to take hold. Let us pray:
For women around the world working for justice and for peace, that countries might go to war no more, that children and young adults see a liveable future,
we pray:
For mothers and other caregivers who are exhausted, in physical or/and mental health crises, who suffer violence in their homes, poverty, homelessness and/or addiction, and for the children in their care. For healing, support, safety and secure housing we pray:
For women who are not mothers today, women who did not bear children, and mothers who have lost a child or children, for their peace, and with tender love, we pray:
For all whose names are entered into our Book of Intentions, and all whose names we raise up now in this circle: We pray.
Creating, Loving, Forgiving God we ask you to hear these prayers, and those that remain unspoken. Grant that through prayer and action we may convince those holding power to avoid war, and to feed and protect your most vulnerable people. May this Easter season bloom with joy, possibilities, and hope! We ask this in the name and power of the Creator, the Risen Jesus, and the Holy Spirit, Amen.