Not a Shape-Shifter

  He's not a shape shifter either.  When Jesus appears in different guises in his post-Resurrection appearances, he does not appear as a dog or an owl or a newt.  He appears as a person.  He is able to fix breakfast and walk side-by-side with others.  He is not a ghost.  Thomas is able to touch Jesus' wounds.  Jesus eats fish.  He is not a vampire who feeds on other people; he feeds them.  He is not a zombie walking around in a psychotic state; he has a will of his own.  His body was not stolen by the Jews or the Romans.  We don't have a mass hallucination that has continued in belief until today.
  What do we have?  Infinitely creative God chose to take on human life and exist as we do.  He ate and drank, partied and mourned, worked and rested.  He was elated then deflated.  He was praised then betrayed.  Why does it matter?  Belief in Jesus Christ depends on his resurrection from the dead.  As St. Paul says (1 Corinthians 15:14-17), "If Christ has not been raised . . . we are then found to be false witnesses about God, for we have testified about God that he raised Christ from the dead. . . .  And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile." 
  Traditionally we say that Christ appeared to people for 40 days after his resurrection.  A week from now it will be 40 days.  That's why we have spent so long looking at the resurrection appearances - so that we could experience the length of time that he continued to appear in person to people.  We are not quite finished yet.  We have a few appearances remaining.  Stay tuned.
  For reflection:  Books, TV and movies portray the various powers that superheroes possess.  What supernatural powers do I need to be a superhero for God?  What villains are after me?  How can I overcome them?
  Let us pray.  Father, All-Powerful, all true power comes from you.  Thank you for the gifts of your Holy Spirit.  Thank you for wisdom and understanding, knowledge and faith, healing and miracles.  Thank you for being with us always.