Reading: Acts 9:31-42
We all have heard it said, “The good die young.” That is not necessarily true. There are very many good people in this parish who, if I dare say so, are not very young any more. Like Tabitha in our first reading from the Acts of the Apostles, there are people in this parish whose lives are "marked by constant good deeds and acts of charity.” They don’t receive the praise and honor that is due them, but you can be sure it does not go unnoticed by the one who is most important — by God.
When Tabitha died the people were so heart stricken they sent for Peter to bring her back to life. I often wish I could do that. But then maybe that is not fair to those who have worked so hard and deserve to be in heaven. To bring them back to us might be a bit selfish. Good people, however, do remain on earth in their works and in our memories long after they are gone. You who are one of those good people can expect to be talked about when you are gone — and to be missed.
Maybe the people in Joppa wanted Tabitha to be brought back to life so they could thank her for all her goodness towards them. They had neglected to thank her before it was too late. Well, I hope all of you remain around for a very long time. But just in case you or I check out anytime soon, let me say this little bit. Thank you for all you’ve done for me and for others in this parish. Our good deeds and acts of love are signs to all of us that Christ is still living on earth. May God bless you much!
We all have heard it said, “The good die young.” That is not necessarily true. There are very many good people in this parish who, if I dare say so, are not very young any more. Like Tabitha in our first reading from the Acts of the Apostles, there are people in this parish whose lives are "marked by constant good deeds and acts of charity.” They don’t receive the praise and honor that is due them, but you can be sure it does not go unnoticed by the one who is most important — by God.
When Tabitha died the people were so heart stricken they sent for Peter to bring her back to life. I often wish I could do that. But then maybe that is not fair to those who have worked so hard and deserve to be in heaven. To bring them back to us might be a bit selfish. Good people, however, do remain on earth in their works and in our memories long after they are gone. You who are one of those good people can expect to be talked about when you are gone — and to be missed.
Maybe the people in Joppa wanted Tabitha to be brought back to life so they could thank her for all her goodness towards them. They had neglected to thank her before it was too late. Well, I hope all of you remain around for a very long time. But just in case you or I check out anytime soon, let me say this little bit. Thank you for all you’ve done for me and for others in this parish. Our good deeds and acts of love are signs to all of us that Christ is still living on earth. May God bless you much!
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