Tabitha | EN |

"Tabitha, arise.” And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter she sat up - Acts 9:40

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Now there was in Joppa a disciple named Tabitha, which, translated, means Dorcas. She was full of good works and acts of charity. In those days she became ill and died, and when they had washed her, they laid her in an upper room. Since Lydda was near Joppa, the disciples, hearing that Peter was there, sent two men to him, urging him, “Please come to us without delay.” So Peter rose and went with them. And when he arrived, they took him to the upper room. All the widows stood beside him weeping and showing tunics and other garments that Dorcas made while she was with them. But Peter put them all outside, and knelt down and prayed; and turning to the body he said, “Tabitha, arise.” And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter she sat up. And he gave her his hand and raised her up. Then, calling the saints and widows, he presented her alive. And it became known throughout all Joppa, and many believed in the Lord. And he stayed in Joppa for many days with one Simon, a tanner. (Acts 9:36-43)

This fragment mentions Tabitha, her death and revival by St. Peter. We know about her that "she was full of good works and acts of charity". After her death, the disciples asked St. Peter to come to them as soon as possible. They remembered the deceased, cried and they also told the apostle about her good deeds. It is clear they loved the woman and that her death was sorrowful for them.

We know little about Tabitha, but we can learn a lot from her. Many of us have a tendency to empty words. We often say a lot and do little, sometimes we don't even do the few things we promise. Our words or even the desire to do good are often not followed by deeds.

We should imitate those who, like Tabitha, are "full of good works". We don't know if she spoke a lot or little, but her deeds confirmed her faith, her goodness won others over to her. Because people often remember better what we did than what we said. They remember the actions, the feelings it evoked, and words are often forgotten.

If we passed away now, how would those who knew us remember us? As a person who did a lot of good? Or maybe just as someone who only talked a lot? Or as someone who was not even interested in the people around them and their needs?

However, we should also be careful not to try to be remembered at all costs. It is not a rule that people always appreciate our efforts and deeds. Many of them will go unnoticed or forgotten. However, they are always visible before God. And ultimately, it is He who we must please. Even if people do not remember us, do not appreciate us, as the Gospel of Matthew says, "your Father who sees in secret will reward you" (Mt 6:4).

Reflection on Acts 9:36-43 by Agata Wierzbowska

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Intellegere | Understand | EN |

Philip ran to him, and heard him reading Isaiah the prophet, and said, “Do you understand what you are reading?” - Acts 8:30

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The encounter of Philip and the Ethiopian is one of several conversions we encounter in the Acts: Simon (Acts 8:3-25) and Cornelius (Acts 10: 1-48). The Ethiopian is also a eunuch, which makes the story significant as eunuchs were excluded from Temples and spiritual life, therefore he is by all effects an outcast. Yet the eunuch is seeking God and his seeking is answered.

God sends to him Philip and the angel so that his conversion is possible. Whoever seeks God sincerely will have an answer, no matter who he or she is. The eunuch at the same time is also unsure of his own understanding, in fact Philip asks him: "Do you understand what you are reading?" And the Ethiopian answers: "How can I unless someone guides me". This is fundamental: the word of God. His truth contained in the Bible can be easily misunderstood, misinterpreted and distorted. So we all need the correct interpretation, the correct guide, apt to instruct and explain to all of us the Word of God in the only correct way. In this case Philip has this role for the Ethiopian. 

For all of us it is the Church who has the role to guide us in the correct interpretation, to teach us. The Church has also the inclusiveness to welcome anyone through her doors, no one is excluded. Like the Ethiopian eunuch, an outcast is accepted and guided in the correct understanding, and can rejoice in the Word.

Similarly, we all are guided and can rejoice in the Resurrection, as we are enabled to see beyond the text and into the risen Jesus. 

Reflection on Acts 8:26-40 by Giulia

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Regnum Dei | God's Kingdom | EN |

But when they believed Philip preaching good news concerning God’s Kingdom and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women - Acts 8:12

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Todays reflection on the Holy Scripture is really interesting. Faith in GOD is the most powerful feeling that people have to grow inside themselves, also when fear can get us petrified. Faith get us braver if we face different situations knowing that GOD is with us; we will be less scared of problems.

It is also important in order to grow LOVE and PEACE worldwide. Spread the Lord's Word every single day, everywhere.

All people need to be careful and avoid paying attention to fake people. They seem to be  messengers of GOD, but instead are fakes. We have to see using our eyes, but feel with our hearts for distinguishing the true love of GOD from the fake emotions of devil.

We must focus carefully. Amen

Reflection on Acts 8 1-13 by Ivan

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