Acts 9:36-43
Now in Joppa there was a disciple whose name was Tabitha, which in Greek is Dorcas. She was devoted to good works and acts of charity. At that time she became ill and died. When they had washed her, they laid her in a room upstairs. Since Lydda was near Joppa, the disciples, who heard that Peter was there, sent two men to him with the request, “Please come to us without delay.” So Peter got up and went with them; and when he arrived, they took him to the room upstairs. All the widows stood beside him, weeping and showing tunics and other clothing that Dorcas had made while she was with them. Peter put all of them outside, and then he knelt down and prayed. He turned to the body and said, “Tabitha, get up.” Then she opened her eyes, and seeing Peter, she sat up. He gave her his hand and helped her up. Then calling the saints and widows, he showed her to be alive. This became known throughout Joppa, and many believed in the Lord. Meanwhile he stayed in Joppa for some time with a certain Simon, a tanner.
Reflection
Miracles do happen. Miracles happen in the presence of Jesus. Miracles happen in the presence of God. It's easy to forget that we live in a time of the resurrected Jesus. It seems as if, since we don't see Jesus physically in a form that we have predetermined, that we come to believe that Jesus is not present. But, when we consider that God gave his Spirit to us and Jesus blew his breath on us and told us that he is in us and we are in him, that Jesus is really present.
When we look deeper than this first level of consciousness, we realize that Jesus is present. Then once we realize God's presence we tend to see God present all over the place and in many forms and ways. We realize that Jesus is present and miracles happen in the presence of Jesus.
So, miracles happen all of the time. Why does the grass grow? Sure there is science involved, but there is much more in addition to science. How does a wound heal? God gave the body a unique ability to heal. Where did that ability come from? If you think about it, you could go on and on. You realize that God's presence in itself is a miracle. Whenever God is present we have a miracle.
In this passage we have a risen and resurrected Lord Jesus present with Peter. Peter has seen this once before. It's not about Peter. It's about the resurrection and healing that God has given to each of us through his Son, Jesus. When Jesus came into this world and lived and died and rose again; a wonderful energy came into this world in flesh. God's touch was surely present in creation. But that was also the touch of Jesus love and the breath of life in the Spirit. So when Jesus came into this world a power of everlasting love and a power of healing came with it. Peter tapped into this power and Dorcas was healed and brought to life. Dorcas was known for her life of good works and charity. More of that miraculous power of love brought into this world in and through the actions of Jesus.
Prayer
Lord, blow your Spirit into this world that your energy of love and compassion may spread this day through me and through those all over this creation. Your presence is a miracle. We look to you alone and give you all the praise and honor and glory... today... tomorrow... and forever. --- Amen
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