Everlasting Instant

Sometimes, singular moments in our lives illustrate what always occurs. They are moments that can define an objective truth that no one can dispute: the joy and awe of a new birth, a new sunrise, or a fresh start for someone facing addiction.  

In my experience, when I struggle to recognize this objective truth in everyday life or significant moments, I am often meddling in my shadows—doing so unconsciously. 

Carl Jung, a Swiss psychiatrist, once said, “Projections change the world into the replica of one’s own unknown face.” Projections are images of life, self, others, and God, generated by the psyche and based on our fears, desires, impulses, and unresolved issues, many of which are unconscious.  

Thus, regaining clarity and awareness often requires some internal shadowboxing. At other times, external reminders emerge through our loving relationships, breathtaking nature, or, in this case, art, which showcases the loving, objective truth that exists at all times.  

I will never forget standing in the refectory of Santa Maria delle Grazie Church in Milan, Italy. The refectory served as the room for communal meals in religious institutions. In other words, I was in the church’s cafeteria, constructed in the 15th century. However, this cafeteria was no ordinary cafeteria; it featured one of the world’s most famous paintings on its north wall, Leonardo Da Vinci’s The Last Supper. 

If anyone has ever seen this in person, it’s one of those pieces of art that you just can’t quite comprehend. From its dry wall-painting technique to its linear one-point perspective, which enhances depth perception on a flat surface, to its sheer size and magnitude, it truly takes your breath away. Additionally, the subject matter and the emotional detail of Jesus and each Disciple enhance the experience.  

Swiss theologian Hans Urs von Balthasar often discussed approaching objective truth through the beautiful, followed by the good, and finally arriving at the truth. This method has benefited my Western post-modern mindset, where subjective truth is frequently confused with the objective.  

Standing before Da Vinci’s painting, I was captivated by its sheer beauty. It filled me with immense appreciation for the technique and finesse, pulling me out of myself and allowing me to see the good. However, it wasn’t until I turned around and looked at the south wall of the refectory that I was overcome by grace and truth… objective truth. 

On its south wall is a fresco by Giovanni Donato Montorfano titled The Crucifixion. Standing in the middle between the two, there were no more shadows to cast, no more fears to yield to. I was immersed in the loop of grace of the Everlasting Instant. An instant where death and resurrection are one, where fears transform into hope, failings become necessary good, and where both past and future yield to the acute awareness of the present. 

In times of great uncertainty, when we all seem worried and project our fears and unresolved issues from the past onto an unknown future, let’s remember certain moments when the objective truth of love is revealed to us in the present.  

A new day’s sunrise. A word of encouragement from a dear friend. Rising once more after what feels like the two millionth fall.  

I recently watched a clip of a well-known comedian sharing something profound during a podcast. He suggested that if you make a list of both the things you’ve done and the things that have been done to you, and you have and are moving past all of that to find yourself in a position to go on and do good in the world, that is what you share in common with every hero in every story of every autobiography.  

I love that.

Whether we dare to engage in some internal shadow boxing or we experience a moment of external beauty that captivates us, let us always remember that the Everlasting Instant of profound Love, Mercy, and Hope is happening right here and now, regardless of what lies ahead or behind us.

Oh, speaking of Da Vinci, the next time you visit the Louvre and find yourself grappling with the crowd to catch a glimpse of his Mona Lisa, TURN AROUND and take a look; you won’t be disappointed. 😉