Florida Council of Catholic Women/Province of Miami at P. O. Box 1811, Labelle, FL 33975 US - TABITHA

Tabitha was a little known woman, who lived in Jappa. Her whole life was occupied with doing good works and almsgiving. She had been greatly concerned with the lives of widows, and spent time and money in supplying them with cloaks and tunics. When Tabitha became ill and died the disciples sent for Peter who was in nearby Lydda. Upon his arrival the widows came to him crying and showing him what Tabitha had done for them. Peter entered the room alone and knelt and prayed. Then he turned to her body and said, "Tabitha, rise up." Tabitha opened her eyes, saw Peter and rose. The news quickly spread throughout Jappa and, as a result, Peter stayed in the town a long time. Reflections: Is volunteering something you do only if it pleases you? Do we always acknowledge the women who take on the menial tasks, like sorting, washing, and packing clothes, cooking, serving, washing dishes, rolling bandages, making rosaries, or driving others to doctors, Church, stores, and meetings? Prayers: Lord, let me use my time and my talents to be of help to others. Let me remember that You are the Lord of the whole universe and can use anyone to accomplish Your work. Let me remember that the service of Tabitha was not prompted by mere passing emotions of sympathy but was an ongoing, everyday part of her life.

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