ACC ~ Acts 9 v39

ALMS DONE ON BEHALF OF THE DEAD. CHRYSOSTOM: Let us not concern ourselves with grave monuments or memorials. This is the greatest memorial: gather the widows around; tell them his name; ask them all to offer prayers and supplications on his behalf. This will overcome God; for although it was not done by the [dead] man himself, it is through him that another is responsible for the almsgiving. This too is of the mercy of God. “Widows standing around and weeping” know how to rescue people not from the present death but from the death that is to come. Many have enjoyed the benefit of these alms performed by others on their behalf. For they found, if not perfect deliverance, at least some consolation. HOMILIES ON THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES 21.

THE WIDOWS STOOD WEEPING. BEDE: The widows are the repentant soul’s holy thoughts, which for a long time had lost the vigor of their original purpose, as though they had lost for a time the guidance of a husband. They must humbly pray for the soul that has done wrong. COMMENTARY ON THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES 9.39A.

TUNICS AND CLOAKS THAT DORCAS HAD MADE. BEDE: They interceded for the dead woman, not with their voices but by means of her own works, for almsdeeds free one not only from the second death but also from the first. COMMENTARY ON THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES 9.39B.

Acts