Author: Canon Dr. Josh Ritter, Canon for Formation, Episcopal Diocese of Texas
During Lent and Easter we talk a lot about transformation. We Christians really love talking about transformation. But what do we mean when we say this? And, more importantly, during this Easter season, how do we demonstrate it in our daily lives?
We often celebrate Easter with our lips, but the evidence (“fruit”) of it is not present in our hearts, in our minds, and in our actions.
We just don’t really seem to be transformed. Our transformation is not “complete,” as Paul says. Or, as John the Baptizer says it, we must produce fruit worthy of our repentance (metanoia). In other words, John wants us to demonstrate our transformation. Our faith is an action, and if we are truly transformed, then our lives will show evidence of that transformation.
We must rise to the occasion of our own salvation.
Part of the issue, though, is that most folks don’t seem to really know what transformation is, what it looks like…and, honestly, how could something so powerful be contained in one word anyway?
Well, actually, in the New Testament, it’s not contained in one word. There are many words for transformation and conversion in the same way that the UK has many different words and ways to describe rain. I will discuss three here.
First, there is the more well known metanoia, which is usually translated as “repent” (and sometimes as transformation) and means to change one’s mind. This is actually a technical rhetorical term and means strategically changing one’s mind in an argument for persuasive effect. We Christians tend to think this term means an entire transformation of life, but that is not really its connotation. It is simply a changing of the mind, though it can indicate a turning around (in your thinking).
Then, there is epistrepho, which is translated as “turning” or “returning” to God. At times in the NT, it is translated as repentance or conversion. It can also indicate when someone has turned away from God, but it usually is a call to turn one’s heart and life toward God. Some type of major life transformation is clearly indicated here.
Finally, there is metamorphoo, which means metamorphosis but is usually still translated as simply transformation. Romans 12:2 is perhaps the most well known verse that uses metamorphosis: Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed [metamorphosized] by the renewing of the mind, so that you may discern what is the will of God—what is good and acceptable and perfect. What Paul is calling for here is a complete metamorphosis…one thing literally becoming something else. We are not just transformed but metamorphosized.
And in 2 Cor. 3:18, Paul says that we are being metamorphosized into the glory of the Lord. Metamorphosis is “to change into another form” or “to transfigure.” And, indeed, this is the same word used in Matt. 17:2 and Mk 9:2 to indicate Jesus’s transfiguration. He was metamorphosized.
Paul is inviting us into the same “transfiguration” as Jesus himself experienced. In resurrection…we are not just transformed. We are completely metamorphosized from one form to another form. Again, as Paul says in Romans, we are not conformed to culture, but we are changed and transfigured from one form to another form – we become something else entirely – by the renewing of our minds, which is the changing and transfiguration of our mind into the mind of Christ. We do not just think differently. Our mind is different. Reshaped. Transfigured into something else entirely.
For Paul, it is this type of radical alteration of thinking and being that leads us into Christian maturity and discipleship. It is this metamorphosis that is what Paul is inviting us to experience. This is the meaning of resurrection for Paul. It is transfiguration. It is metamorphosis.
Jesus shows us how to metamorphosize. He shows us the Way of resurrection…and we must follow. Our path is metamorphosis. This is our Way of incarnation and of practicing resurrection.
As Paul says in Colossians 3:17, in our speaking, thinking and doing, be Christ. Christ in our speech. Christ in our thoughts. Christ in our actions and inter-actions. In all things, Christ. In all ways, Christ. It is not theoretical. It is not a hypothetical. For Paul, it is an incarnational practice.
Words and actions mean nothing, says Paul, if they are not infused with compassion and generosity, which are the ways and practices of Christ. This is not something to learn about. This is something to do. Together. This is a metamorphosis. This is the practice of resurrection life.
Formation 