ICF - Professions of Faith

Sunday 11th May 2025 - 4th Sunday of Easter

Acts 9:36-43 Revelation 7:9-17 John 10:22-30 Psalm 23

Today's readings readily lend themselves to explore issues of faith and work. There can be no more profound contrast than that between the attitude and reputation of Tabitha in the New Testament reading and that of the religious leaders in the Gospel reading. It was through her expertise as a seamstress that Tabitha bore testimony to the reality of her Christian faith. The evidence of her devotion were the tunics and clothing that were shown to Peter on his arrival. This challenges any idea that religious activity can be more of a Christian vocation than any other - in fact it was their religious pre-occupation that placed his temple critics at odds with Jesus.

Tabitha is introduced as a disciple devoted to good works and charity, and it was through creativity and enterprise that she bore testimony to that. While acknowledging that the key focus of this episode is the miraculous intervention of Peter, a congregation might nonetheless consider how their working lives and the application of their skills bear testimony to their Christian faith. This needs to be done with sensitivity and realism, many might find themselves in workplace contexts where this is difficult - and yet that very struggle and tension might be helpfully acknowledged in the context of worship and prayer.

Psalm 23 famously draws on the writer's own experience as a working shepherd to explore and affirm his own relationship with God. This is further echoed in the words of Jesus from the Gospel reading. As well as drawing on the significant themes and imagery that the Psalm presents, a congregation might also be invited to consider how its members' own experiences of the world of work provide insights into the nature and purpose of God.