Apr. 12: Saturday of the Third Week of Easter

Masolino da Panicale, The Raising of Tabitha (detail), Cappella Brancacci, Santa Maria del Carmine, Florence, 1424-25

Readings for Mass

First Reading: Acts 9:31-42

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 116:12-13, 14-15, 16-17

Gospel: John 6:60-69

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 (NRSV, Acts 9:40-41a).

Let us pray.

Father, because of the sin of the world and our own personal selfishness and sin, death often seems like the undoing of human life. Father, beginning in the womb, when, through the Word, you offered us life, even a share in your own divine life in the Spirit, you called us to constant growth without end. Human life is an everlasting journey which does not end in death but only passes through death to further, perpetual growth in you.

The power that filled Jesus enabling him to pass through death in glory has also been offered to every one of us. Father, the stories of the raising of Lazarus by Jesus and of the raising of Tabitha by Peter are merely signs of the power and glory also available to us to share in the resurrection. In saying “yes” to your ever-offered gift of divine life may we begin, even now, in this world, to live resurrected lives.

Through Christ our Lord. Amen.