What is the ‘good news’ if it is not about life countering death, love overthrowing hate, the exposing of lies, and healing taking shape in the midst of brokenness? Acts 9.36-43 is a story that witnesses to the power of new life in the midst of the mundane-ness of our lives, including the despairing moments of grief and loss.

This week's news 

What can be greater news than witnessing or participating in stories of lives transformed, where people can stand on their own feet, change and turn around despairing circumstances? Whatever our views are of the late former Prime Minster, Lady Thatcher, she was no Tabitha-Dorcas. While she would have seen her policies and decisions as necessary and geared towards transforming lives, for many it created more inequalities, even penury. It is the case that the Church’s vocation is to participate in the creation of new life. But this is costly discipleship. As is evident in the Book of Acts, the Church was more than often in confrontation with imperial authority, for any engagement in trying to bring life out of death threatens every status quo. The legacy of Thatcher is replete with such examples.

Reflection

Locating the story

It would seem that the author of Acts (Dr Luke) likes identifying the good qualities of people especially the outsiders (e.g. the centurion’s servant; the story of Cornelius; Simon, the tanner), and in the case of Tabitha-Dorcas, with multiple identity. The local Christian community held Tabitha-Dorcas in high esteem specifically because she lived out the way of Jesus among those in her city. Like Jesus, the early Christian movement often found a following among outsiders and marginalised groups. 

Symbolising hope

Stories of raising the dead symbolise hope. The good news is about life kissing death to transform it, love (instead of hate) becoming the orienting habit, and healing becoming our passion especially in the midst of brokenness. How thrilled are we when we can see downtrodden people rise up on their feet, marginalised groups and communities break out of the cycle of poverty, when enemies come across the bridge to be reconciled, and when despairing people find meaning for their life again. Such stories underscore the hand of the Divine in new beginnings.

Reality not tied to what has been

Tabitha-Dorcas’ rebirth underscores that because death is not the final word, reality is not tied to what has been. Reality is linked to God’s promise that all things are made new. And, in God’s new world order, it is possible to be an agent instead of object, it is possible to sit around the table, not clinging on the periphery, and it is possible to participate rather than be patronised.

God’s inclusive kingdom

Where there is new life, rebirth and renewal, the kingdom is actively taking shape. God's miraculous power, evident in the ministry of Peter, authenticates ministry that is outward looking, for God’s kingdom is come, and is for all humanity.

Transformed people

The gospel takes embodied form when the Church is made up of transformed people. Such transformation is only possible through the Spirit of Christ who inevitably transforms as a result of our faith and faithfulness. Only the living God can empower us with new life. It is the indwelling Spirit of Christ that transforms death into life, sadness into joy, despair into hope, and indifference into compassion.

 

Prayer

You may wish to include the following as a prayer of approach or a collect:

God-who-releases-and-frees, 

deliver us from growing despair; 

embrace our brokenness with your balm of love; 

cure us of designed unawareness; 

release us from the clutches of bent mind-sets. 

Become, in our lives, the way to what we need,

 to what we can become, and what we can do –

that we may find the blessing of new life in you, through Christ. 

Amen.

Questions

• What is the significance of the two names of (Tabitha) Dorcas? How did Tabitha-Dorcas live-out the message of Easter? 
• How are Christ's people transformed? Spend some time reflecting on stories of healing communities.

Action

Make a list of two or three individuals/groups in your church and local community involved in the transformation of lives. Write a note to them expressing your gratitude for their example and discipleship.

With a small group reflect on what needs to be transformed in your community. Explore ways do something that will initiate a process of transformation, and consider committing yourself to the task of making it happen.

Take time out this week to make yourself available to someone in need. It may be a simple act of kindness or an impromptu extension of compassion.

Young People

Young people may also wish to consider the above suggested actions. 

Further they may wish to reflect on this transforming story of a young person doing something to make a difference and consider initiating or participating in something similar. 

Michael Jagessar, a minister of the United Reformed Church, is currently secretary for inter-cultural ministry and moderator of the General Assembly (2012-2014) of the United Reformed Church.

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