Resurrection in Action

John 10:22-30

Father Mark opens by highlighting the powerful shepherd imagery found throughout the day’s readings, especially in the Gospel of John where Jesus declares Himself the Good Shepherd. He draws a parallel between the failed shepherds—leaders of ancient Israel who neglected their people—and both religious and political leaders in Jesus’ day who ignored society’s most vulnerable. Jesus assumes the role of true shepherd, offering protection, eternal life, and care for those who follow His voice.

This theme of shepherd-like care continues in the reading from Acts, where Peter raises Tabitha from the dead. Tabitha, known for her acts of kindness and support for widows, represents the embodiment of Christian compassion. Her death was not only a personal loss but a blow to the community’s fragile support system. Peter’s act of raising her reflects the restoration not only of a life but of a compassionate, communal order rooted in Christ-like love.

Father Mark concludes by emphasizing that kindness is central to the resurrection life. He stresses that Jesus, Peter, and Tabitha demonstrated divine compassion through everyday acts of mercy. Drawing from modern voices like John Van de Laar, Mother Teresa, and Brother Curtis Almquist, Father Mark calls on all of us to embody kindness as a daily expression of our faith in the risen Christ. Kindness, he says, is not weakness—it is resurrection in action.

Scripture quotations are from New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright © 1989 National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.