Readings:

Leviticus 19:32-37
Psalm 101:1-4
Acts 9:36–42
Matthew 25:1-13

Preface of God the Son

PRAYER (traditional language)
Most Holy God, who didst raise from the dead thy servant Tabitha to display thy power and confirm that thy Son is Lord; Grant unto us thy grace, that, aided by her prayers and example, we may be given a new life in thee, to do works pleasing in thy sight; through Jesus Christ thy Son our Lord; who liveth and reigneth with thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

PRAYER (contemporary language)
Most Holy God, who did raise from the dead your servant Tabitha to display your power and confirm that your Son is Lord; Grant unto us your grace, that, aided by her prayers and example, we may be given a new life in you, to do works pleasing in your sight; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Lessons revised at General Convention 2024

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DORCAS (TABITHA) OF JOPPA

CO-WORKER WITH THE APOSTLES, 25 OCT. NT

Dorcas being raised by Peter Dorcas (or Tabitha in Aramaic -- both names mean "gazelle") is mentioned in Acts 9:36-42. She was a member of the early Christian community in Joppa, a seacoast town of Israel, and noted for her acts of charity, in particular for making garments and giving them to needy widows. When she fell ill and died, Peter came to see her, and raised her to life. His words to her, "Tabitha, kumi," (Tabitha, arise), are reminiscent of the words of Jesus to the daughter of Jairus, "Talitha, kumi," (little girl, arise) as given in Mark 5:41. Whether this is anything more than coincidence is hard to say. If the Aramaic words of Jesus had been quoted by Luke rather than by Mark, one might suppose that Luke was underscoring a resemblance between the two episodes (the reader is invited to look up both stories, the former in M 9:18-26 = P 5:22-43 = L 41-56 and the latter in Acts 9:36-42). As it is, I am not sure that Luke (or Peter, presumably Mark's source for his account) intends a connection.

by James Kiefer