Living in our "Kodak" Moments

In the ninth chapter of Mark, we read about the Transfiguration. Peter, James and John witness this glorious scene in terror.  Leave it to bumbling Peter—his first reaction is to “enshrine” the moment, like a “Kodak moment.” But the voice of the Father says:

This is my beloved Son; listen to him.

In effect, they’re being told to get over the light show and learn from it through Jesus.  Of course, they still don’t get it, but no matter. As we know, eventually they do get it!

Don’t we often do the same thing? When I was much younger and just out of the armed services, I began my college career at a 2-year college just to get some required courses out of the way. They had a campus Christian group which I readily joined. Their regular worship was usually very energetic, even—dare I say it—fun. For about a month or so I even dumped classes to go to some of their services; they got me all pumped up and feeling really great. But afterwards, when I got back into the car, the real world awaited and it was back to business as usual.

One day, the “thrill” was completely gone. That great spiritual “high” no longer grabbed me. Looking back, I realize now that it had become for me more of an addictive ‘fix’ than a transformation. I had seen “behind the veil” as Paul puts it, but hadn’t grown. You see, I was looking to live in those spiritual “Kodak” moments without having to move forward. The “crash” was devastating—a true “bottom.”

We now turn our attentions to Lent which starts in just a few short days. My wish for every follower of the Risen One is a life of constant spiritual evolution. This begins by not clinging to the past, living in our memories, or with seeking out religious “highs.” None of these are bad; they are simply spiritual “Kodak moments” meant to be learned from, grown from and carried forward so that we also can become transfigured.

That voice from the clouds speaks louder than ever at this time of year:

This is my beloved Son; listen to him.