Dorcas

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This resource relating to Acts 9:36-43 provides a poem by George MacDonald (1824-1905) highlighting the service of Dorcas and a poem by Wendell Berry calling for a return to a sustainable way of life.
Paid Resource: 
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Lectionary: 
Revised Common Lectionary
Source: 
Englewood Review
Related to Children or Youth: 
N
Audio/Video: 
N
Full Text: 
*** Revised Common Lectionary *** Lectionary Reading: Acts 9:36-43 CLASSIC POEM: Dorcas George Macdonald If I might guess, then guess I would That, mid the gathered folk, This gentle Dorcas one day stood, And heard when Jesus spoke. She saw the woven seamless coat- Half envious, for his sake: ‘Oh, happy hands,’ she said, ‘that wrought The honoured thing to make!’ Her eyes with longing tears grow dim: She never can come nigh To work one service poor for him For whom she glad would die! But, hark, he speaks! Oh, precious word! And she has heard indeed! ‘When did we see thee naked, Lord, And clothed thee in thy need?’ ‘The King shall answer, Inasmuch As to my brethren ye Did it-even to the least of such- Ye did it unto me.’ Home, home she went, and plied the loom, And Jesus’ poor arrayed. She died-they wept about the room, And showed the coats she made. *** This poem is in the public domain, and may be read in a live-streamed worship service. CONTEMPORARY POEM: Manifesto: The Mad Farmer Liberation Front Wendell Berry SNIPPET: Love the quick profit, the annual raise, vacation with pay. Want more of everything ready-made. Be afraid to know your neighbors and to die. And you will have a window in your head. Not even your future will be a mystery any more. Your mind will be punched in a card and shut away in a little drawer. … [ READ THE FULL POEM
Author: 
role: 
Primary Author
Author: 
George MacDonald
role: 
Primary Author
Author: 
Wendell Berry
Content Type: 
Key Scriptures: 
Acts 9:36-43
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RCL Lectionary Week: 
Year C Fourth Sunday of Easter
Date: 
Monday, May 2, 2022