– Alongside the common sense of being visible, showing oneself , in the religious concept, designates sudden appearances of a divine nature. They can be of God, biblical figures, Christ, the Virgin Mary, saints or angels.
– In the OT several apparitions of God are described: to Moses; to the prophet Elijah at Horeb; to Samuel; to Jeremiah; to Jonah:
Ex 3,1-6 : The angel of the Lord appeared to him in a flame (which came out) from the middle of a bush.
Ex 16:10 : They looked towards the desert and, behold, the glory of the Lord appeared in the cloud!
1Kings 19,8-18 : The Lord said to him: “Go out and stand on top of the mountain, in the presence of the Lord! It will pass”.
1Sm 3,1-10 : The Lord came, stood beside him and called him as at other times: “Samuel! Samuel!”.
Jr 1,1-10 : The word of the Lord was addressed to him in the time of Josiah.
Jon 4,1-11 : The Lord said to Jonah: “Do you think that you are right to be angry over a plant?
In the NT the risen Jesus appears to Mary Magdalene and the women; to the disciples; to Paul; and to Peter:
Mt 28,1-10 : At that moment, Jesus stood before them and said: “Save!”.
Mk 16,1-10 : Having risen in the morning, on the first day of the week he appeared first to Mary of Magdala.
Lk 24,1-12 : Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but he is risen.
Jn 20,11-18 : Having said these words, he turned back and saw Jesus standing, but he did not recognize him.
Mt 28,16-20 : But Jesus, approaching, said to them: “All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth”.
Mc 16,14-18 : Finally, he appeared to the Eleven, when they were sitting at the table.
Lc 24,13.36-49 : I am myself; touch and see: a spirit does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have.
Jo 20,19-29 : Having said this, he showed them his hands and his side. The disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord.
Acts 9:4-5 : He replied: “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting”.
Lk 24:34 : Everyone said: “The Lord has truly risen and has appeared to Simon”.
