"Glory to Christ who Loves You!" For St. Tabitha on October 25

  For Sunday, October 25, 2020

St. Tabitha the Merciful

Acts 9:36-43

At Joppa there was a certain disciple named Tabitha, which is translated Dorcas. This woman was full of good works and charitable deeds which she did. But it happened in those days that she became sick and died. When they had washed her, they laid her in an upper room. And since Lydda was near Joppa, and the disciples had heard that Peter was there, they sent two men to him, imploring him not to delay in coming to them. Then Peter arose and went with them. When he had come, they brought him to the upper room. And all the widows stood by him weeping, showing the tunics and garments which Dorcas had made while she was with them. But Peter put them all out, 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. Then he gave her his hand and lifted her up; and when he had called the saints and widows, he presented her alive. And it became known throughout all Joppa, and many believed on the Lord. So it was that he stayed many days in Joppa with Simon, a tanner.

Video 

Apolytikion for St. Tabitha (Tone 1)

“With the flow of the many–streamed river of almsgiving, You watered the dry earth of the needy. Showering alms on the widows and the poor, You shone with the light of your works and were radiant with grace, O Tabitha. Glory to Christ who loves you! Glory to Christ who has blessed you! Glory to Christ whom you followed as a true disciple and a spotless lamb!”

Discussion Questions:

1. How did St. Tabitha show love?

2. How did her friends show love for her?

3. What kind of almsgiving did St. Tabitha do?

4. What talents do you have that you could use for almsgiving?

5. How did God show his love for Tabitha?

Lesson:

What is most remarkable about Tabitha is her love. In her imitation of Christ’s love, she was full of good works. She cared for the poor by making garments for the widows, who were undoubtedly needy. Yet her love was also repaid by their love. When she died, they rushed to bring Peter and showed him the evidence of her charity.

Tabitha’s almsgiving shows us that the love of Christ grows  love in us, which spreads love to others as well. And even more, when we are changed by this love we find true life in Christ. Tabitha was restored to bodily life by Peter, but we will all be restored to eternal life when we are finally transformed by God’s love. 

Holy St. Tabitha, well-pleasing to God, pray to God for us!

In Home Craft:
This would be a great time for a simple sewing project if families have the capacity for it. However, a simple paper projects is below. The first little craft reminds children that St. Tabitha made many garments, but emphasizes the beauty of her heart. The image shows how the final product will be assembled. Grab the printable and print one copy per student.