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On Works and Alms

6.

Neither, beloved brethren, are we so bringing forward these things, as that we should not prove what Raphael the angel said, by the testimony of the truth. In the Acts of the Apostles the faith of the fact is established; and that souls are delivered by almsgiving not only from the second, but from the first death, is discovered by the evidence of a matter accomplished and completed. When Tabitha, being greatly given to good works and to bestowing alms, fell sick and died, Peter was summoned to her lifeless body; and when he, with apostolic humanity, had come in haste, there stood around him widows weeping and entreating, showing the cloaks, and coats, and all the garments which they had previously received, and praying for the deceased not by their words, but by her own deeds. Peter felt that what was asked in such a way might be obtained, and that Christ's aid would not be wanting to the petitioners, since He Himself was clothed in the clothing of the widows. When, therefore, falling on his knees, he had prayed, and--fit advocate for the widows and poor--had brought to the Lord the prayers entrusted to him, turning to the body, which was now lying washed on the bier, ¹ he said, "Tabitha, in the name of Jesus Christ, arise!" ² Nor did He fail to bring aid to Peter, who had said in the Gospel, that whatever should be asked in His name should be given. Therefore death is suspended, and the spirit is restored, and, to the marvel and astonishment of all, the revived body is quickened into this worldly light once more; so effectual were the merits of mercy, so much did righteous works avail! She who had conferred upon suffering widows the help needful to live, deserved to be recalled to life by the widows' petition.

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Des bonnes Oeuvres et de l'Aumône

6.

Nous joignons au témoignage. de l’ange celui des Actes des apôtres. Là, nous voyons, par un fait éclatant, que l’aumône délivre non seulement de la mort de l’âme, mais de celle du corps. Tabitha, cette sainte femme toute dévouée aux bonnes oeuvres et aux aumônes, tomba malade et mourut. Pierre fut appelé auprès du cadavre. Il vint en toute hâte guidé par son coeur d’apôtre. Alors les veuves l’entourèrent, lui montrant les manteaux, les tuniques, les vêtements, tous les objets que leur donnait Tabitha, et ses oeuvres parlaient pour elle bien plus haut que la voix des pauvres. Pierre comprit qu’une telle prière devait être exaucée, et que Dieu ne refuserait pas son secours à des veuves dont les vêtements attestaient la charité de la défunte. Il se mit donc à genoux, et se faisant l’avocat des veuves et ides pauvres, il transmit leur prière au Seigneur. Puis se tournant vers le corps qu’on avait déjà lavé et placé sur une table : Tabitha, s’écria-t-il, lève-toi au nom de Jésus-Christ (Act., IX.). Celui qui a promis dans l’Évangile de nous accorder tout ce que nous demanderions en son nom ne pouvait refuser son secours à l’apôtre. La mort suspendit son action; la vie revint et, au grand étonnement de tout le monde, ces yeux déjà éteints revirent la lumière. Tel1e est donc la puissance des oeuvres de miséricorde : celle qui avait donné aux veuves des moyens d’existence mérita, par la prière des veuves, de revenir à la vie. (323)