Transformation

Reflections on Chapters 9-11 of the Acts of the Apostles

A little over a year ago, on the Feast of St. Paul’s Conversion (January 25), I wrote a blog post entitled “People Don’t Change – Until They Do.”  In our cynical world, too often we dismiss the idea that transformation can be a reality: that a criminal can be rehabilitated; an addict can remain in recovery, a “sinner” can become a “saint.” It is true that, being human, many of us fall short of complete change (I’ve lost and gained the same 40-50 lbs. many times in my life). However, such skepticism neglects the power of the Holy Spirit at work in peoples lives.  As we continue to read through the Book of the Acts of the Apostles, an essential art of what the author is sharing with us are amazing stories of such radical transformation that the only thing that can account for it is the Holy Spirit.

And it begins with Saul.  He is the perfect villain in the story of the apostles.  No one was more opposed to “The Way” than Saul.  It took a visit from the risen Lord Jesus himself to stop Saul in his tracks.  The unsung hero of Saul’s conversion is Ananias, who the Lord sends to be with Saul to lay hands on him.  Saul was such a notorious figure that Ananias is afraid of him – very afraid.  But Jesus is adamant, and Ananias obeys.  That in itself is a transformation as many of us might have said, “I love you Jesus, but . . . no.”

Due to Ananias’s faithfulness, both he and Saul are blessed in their encounter.  Saul’s eyes are opened as he received the Holy Spirit and Ananias helps support this fledgling following in his baptism and first public proclamation of faith.  Note that Saul receives the Holy Spirit FIRST and then is baptized with water.  What this says to me is that the order is not as important as having both actions – dying to self and being raised in Jesus Christ in the waters of baptism and receiving the power of Holy Spirit to know God in a deep, personal way.  Unfortunately, the awesome gift of the Spirit is relegated to the “second string” in our liturgy.  Perhaps that is something we should revisit!

As is expected, Saul’s (note he is not called Paul yet) awesome transformation is difficult for most to accept, especially the original 12 apostles.  It takes good, old St. Barnabas to vouch for Saul over an over again, and when that doesn't quite work, Barnabas removes him from their negative energy and let him get to work in Tarsus.

Peter also has a transformation that may seem less dramatic than Saul’s but has significant consequences.  In Chapter 10 we read of Peter’s vision to “kill and eat” animals that were considered unclean in Jewish Law.  He is assured that, “What God has made clean, you must not call profane.”  (And that is why we can enjoy bacon!)  Imagine being told that you couldn’t eat something for your entire life but then suddenly you could.  In fact, your eating habits were a part of your very identity, how you knew who was part of your tribe and who was not, and in an instant those barriers are removed.  It is no wonder that Peter was confused.  And then in that moment a group of Gentiles come looking for him!  It is a good thing the Spirit assured him that he should go with them! (10:19-22).  These men are the emissaries of a Roman centurion named Cornelius, who himself had a vision of an angel telling him to get Peter to come to him.

The meeting of Cornelius and Peter is a transformative event for both men, learning that a Roman and a Jew, a Gentile and a follower of Jesus Christ, could have more in common then brothers of the flesh.  And all through the power of the Holy Spirit.  In Peter’s speech in Chapter 10, he credits the Holy Spirit for changing his position as to who the message of Jesus's transformative love is for.  IT IS FOR EVERYONE!

But, when Peter returns to Jerusalem and shares his experience with the believers there, he is met with similar skepticism as Saul was.  Why?  Because CHANGE IS HARD.  I don’t deny or diminish that reality.  But it can happen with the power of the Holy Spirit.  I do believe that.  Do you?

With Easter Joy,

Rev. Valerie+