Disciples, Witches and Transformation

This morning I read the story of Peter and Cornelius, two very different men… Cornelius is an important Roman captain who has influence and power. Peter’s an insignificant Jewish fisherman, who’s regularly falling out with the authorities.

Cornelius prays, sees an angel, and is told to go to find Peter. Peter prays, and has a strange dream: a large sheet, containing all sorts of animals that he has to eat, comes down from heaven.

The two men meet and exchange their stories about prayers, angels and dreams. Peter explains to Cornelius about Jesus’ life, death and resurrection, and Cornelius believes.

Both men are changed.

Captain Cornelius was brought up to believe in Mars, Diana, Neptune and the rest – big powerful Roman gods with huge reputations. He’s now believing in a dead Jew that’s somehow still alive.

Peter was brought up to believe the Jews are God’s special people and gentiles are out of favour; Roman soldiers that have taken over their country won’t have had a good reputation. He’s now seeing his Jewish God accept gentiles like Cornelius.

Both were men with opinions and prejudices developed through years of life experience. Being disciples of Jesus required both to change, transforming them both – for good.

‘Wicked’ is the story of Elphaba and Glinda, the Witches of Oz, who start as reluctant room-mates. Their differences cause division and suspicion.

‘For Good’  is a powerful song that marks the pivotal moment in their relationship: they change to become friends.

Who can say if I’ve been changed for the better? But
Because I knew you
I have been changed for good

We change each other. Friendship is transformative. The people I meet can have a profound impact on who I am and who I become, challenging my opinions and prejudices, changing me ‘for good’.

Peter and Cornelius, Elphaba and Glinda remind me that this transformation is a two way process – I too can have a profound influence on those I meet. The challenge to me is that it is ‘for good’.