April 24, 2010
Saturday of the Third Week of Easter
Peter sent them all out and knelt down and prayed. Then he turned to her body and said, “Tabitha, rise up.” She opened her eyes, saw Peter, and sat up. He gave her his hand and raised her up, and when he had called the holy ones and the widows, he presented her alive. Acts 9:40-41
“It is the spirit that gives life, while the flesh is of no avail. The words I have spoken to you are spirit and life. But there are some of you who do not believe.” Jesus knew from the beginning the ones who would not believe and the one who would betray him. And he said, “For this reason I have told you that no one can come to me unless it is granted him by my Father.” John 6:63-65
Piety
Father, help us to overcome the power and obstacles presented by our own desires and change our heart to follow you. Through the teaching of our brother Jesus, help us to hear and hold your word in our heart to strengthen our spirit for the work you have set aside for us to accomplish.
Study
Sometimes, when we are depressed, in despair, or afflicted because our emotional programs for happiness are not proving their desired results, we rationalize this state by speculating that God has deserted us.
Jesus knows that God will never desert those who believe. Instead, it is we who desert God when we put the needs of our “flesh” over the work of the Spirit. Everything is possible when we turn over our will to God’s will.
There are only a few resurrection stories in the entire Bible. Today, our first reading reminds us that one of those miracles is made possible through the work of Peter. Yes, Peter has come to Jesus and is granted the power to work wonders by the Father. Even after denying Jesus three times, Peter realizes that he has no one and no where else to turn.
Action
Peter’s prayers which help Tabitha join the small club of people who have risen from the dead are brought about by his incredible faith in Jesus.
What obstacle do you need to release so that you can share in this faith? Once we are untied from the anchors that weigh us down, our spirits will be better able to rise up to the challenge posed by God’s plan for us. Here I am, Lord. I come to do your will.
