EASTER EFFECTS

The commissioning of Peter and the disciples by the Risen Christ resembles the first commissioning by Jesus when he began his ministry by the Sea of Galilee: the men were fishing, Jesus appeared and they got a big catch, Jesus invited them to follow him, they left everything behind and followed him. The only difference is the commissioning event in the gospel this week happens after the resurrection and ends with Jesus’ re-invitation “Follow me”.

The first calling can be seen as a failure as we can see what happened to Jesus during his passion before Easter. They all turned away and abandoned him at the most critical time, and then were laden with guilt, shame and brokenness. Living in fear, they went back to their old life before the calling.

Amazingly, after his resurrection, the Risen Christ didn’t scold them or dismiss them for their unfaithfulness. Instead, He comforted them with peace strengthening their faith, restoring their confidence. He trusts them enough to commission them again to continue his saving mission. As a result, after this new encounter with the Risen Christ, the disciples were completely transformed. They were once wounded people with brokenness and despondence, now became wounded healers. They became healers themselves and boldly went out to spread the good news that we all can be healed and saved.

This amazing inner transformation that takes place is called the Easter Effect. Early Christians experience that Jesus is truly risen and alive. His Spirit is very much alive among them and the community. They were such convincing witnesses that they even gave their lives for it.

The early disciples did not have the prior knowledge of resurrection as we do today. They went through a hard time to figure it out, from darkness to light, from brokenness and shame to healing and forgiveness and being restored. There is no perfect disciple but only trying disciples who are open to the Spirit. So are we! There is no perfect Christian but only those who are trying to make efforts and responding to Jesus’ invitation to “Follow me”. Daily.

Media and people are driven by all sorts of worldly politics. The conclave of electing a new pope is already under way at the Vatican. We hear all kinds of speculation about the politics of a  papal election on the media world. Hardly do we hear any discernment of the Spirit who guided the early Church in the most difficult moments, and who once again we need to be open and listen to, as the early disciples once did.

We need an Easter Church with Easter people!