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Faith Matters: A makeover of the soul found in religious transformation
Bible shows the Apostles underwent radcal change post-Resurrection, writes Bishop Bergie
By Gerard Bergie Contributing Columnist
Saturday, April 22, 2023
Home improvement reality shows are quite popular today. You would be hard pressed to find someone who would not be interested in a ‘dream home makeover.’
The pattern most reality shows follow is to conclude with a great reveal, which is a comparison of the pre-renovation to the post-renovation. The transformation leaves most people pleasantly surprised.
From a biblical perspective, we have something similar when we compare the Apostles before the Resurrection of Jesus to the Apostles post-Resurrection. There is a complete transformation. This is clearly seen when we compare the Gospels with the Acts of the Apostles. I wish to consider two examples.
In the Gospel of John, Chapter 21, verses 1 to 14, we are told that the Risen Lord appeared to the Apostles on the shores of the Sea of Tiberius. Simon Peter, Thomas called the Twin, Nathanael, the sons of Zebedee and two other disciples were present. Simon Peter states he is going fishing, and the others join him.
The fact they are going fishing is important. Jesus had appeared to them twice before and they were confused. We are told that when Jesus appeared a third time, they still did not recognize him. These men, who were familiar with fishing because many of them had been fishermen, returned to what was known to them and this provided them comfort during a time of uncertainty and fear.
After fishing all night, they caught nothing and, in the morning, to their surprise, Jesus was on the shore. He told them to put their nets out on the right side of the boat and, when they did, they had a huge catch of fish. I am sure this event reminded Peter of what had happened three years earlier when Jesus said to him the first time: “Come follow me” for from now on you will be catching people.
On the shore, Jesus prepared breakfast for them. He was not only providing something to make them strong in body; but he also fed their souls by reminding them to focus on their initial call to follow him and to be evangelizers who proclaim the Good News. Jesus wanted them to recall this mission for it would help them to prepare them for the gifts that they would receive on Pentecost.
Pentecost is that transformational moment when the Apostles receive the Holy Spirit. They are given gifts that enable them to overcome their confusion and uncertainty. They are given the confidence and courage to proclaim Jesus Christ boldly to the world.
In the Acts of the Apostles, we see individuals that are very different from those Apostles standing on the shores of the Sea of Tiberius in the Gospel of John. Their transformation has taken place.
In Chapter 4 of the Acts of the Apostles, verses 1 to 12, we see the boldness of Peter and John who, despite being thrown into prison, courageously teach the people about Jesus. They are not afraid of jail or the wrath of the religious leaders. The passage of the Bible reveals that the reason they are able to do this is because they are filled with the Holy Spirit.
In the Book of Acts, you see the post-Pentecost disciples in action and what a beautiful thing to behold! Great things happen when we unleash the power of the Holy Spirit in our lives.