The focus of the text for this Sunday follows the preceding text of Peter healing Aeneus (9:32-34) and serves as a reminder of the continuing ministry of Christ, as demonstrated by the apostle. Likewise, this story reminds us of Jesus raising the daughter of Jarius in Luke 8:41-56 and the healing of the paralytic in Luke 5:18-26.

In this passage, Tabitha, a charitable widow and one of the disciples known throughout the area for her understanding, compassion and care for other widows, has died. Peter is summoned by members of the grieving community with the request to “please come to us without delay.” The purpose of summoning Peter is not identified: whether he is called to bring Tabitha back to life or to be visibly present for those left hurting and grieving is unknown. Yet, regardless of the reason why Peter is summoned, scripture tells us that Peter was summoned: “Please come to us without delay” (NRSV); “do not delay to come to us” (NAS), and “please don’t waste a second getting over here” (The Cotton Patch Version of Luke and Acts), all indicate the seriousness of the situation. In response, “Peter arose and went with them” (NAS); and, “immediately, Peter went off with them.” (The New English Bible). Without question or apparent concern, Peter seems to show no hesitation in going when Tabitha’s friends approach him with the request. The depth of the crisis is immediately apparent and Peter cares and responds. As such, he demonstrates that the church also cares and more importantly, that God cares. Time is of the essence.

In the story of Tabitha, we are given a model of Christian charity to the marginalized in society. We know from scripture (Luke 20:47) that orphans and widows were the economically vulnerable at the time. There was no government safety net to ‘catch them’ or to respond to their need. The immediate response of Peter to this hurting community – to ‘come quickly’ – demonstrates the care and compassion of a loving God toward the plight of the weak and vulnerable. Tabitha is restored to life and to the work of the community which depended on her.

Today, North Carolinians living with HIV/AIDS represent some of the most economically vulnerable in our community.  Many of these individuals, because of their economic status, struggle daily to secure the medications needed to help them continue to live with the virus that was once considered a death sentence. Modern-day drug therapies available for persons who are sick can assist persons back into life and better health. However, state laws, such as many here in North Carolina, limit the amount of medical reimbursements that patients can receive; as a result, hundreds of individuals living with HIV/AIDS do not have access to the drugs that would extend and enhance their lives. For many persons whose annual income exceeds 125% of the federal poverty level, access to a healthier life is denied, and death is certain.

The story of Tabitha and the action of Peter remind us that God is shepherd of the world, the protector of the vulnerable, the advocate for the oppressed and the ever-present help in times of sorrow and joy. Like Peter, we are called to ‘come quickly without delay’, to respond to the needs of persons in our communities living without adequate health care, to be prophetic in denouncing North Carolina laws that limit a better life for those infected with HIV/AIDS, and to offer new life and health to all of God’s children. In this way, we all have the power to raise people from the dead.

By Rev. Carolyn McClendon, Director, Alliance of AIDS Services, Raleigh