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Here’s who qualified for statewide races in New Mexico

Michael Smith
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Here’s who qualified for statewide races in New Mexico

Alex Ross
El Rito Media
aross@elritomedia.com

Two Democrats and four Republicans qualified for the ballot in New Mexico’s June 2 gubernatorial primary in which each party’s voters will choose a nominee to replace outgoing Democratic Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham.

Lujan Grisham is completing her second four-year term and is prohibited by term limits from seeking a third. Voters will choose her successor in the Nov. 3 general election.

The two Democrats who filed to run for governor and secured positions on the primary ballot were former U.S. Interior Secretary Deb Haaland and Bernalillo County District Attorney Sam Bregman, both from Albuquerque.

Republicans who qualified to seek the GOP nomination for governor were Rio Rancho Mayor Gregg Hull; former New Mexico Department of Human Services Secretary Duke Rodriguez of Albuquerque; state Sen. Steve Lanier of Aztec; former New Mexico Public Regulations Commissioner James Ellison of Cedar Crest; and businessman Doug Turner of Albuquerque.

Candidates qualify for the primary ballot by gathering signatures from registered voters representing a designated percentage of the party’s voters in the previous election. In the governor’s race, Democratic candidates needed 2,505 signatures to qualify for this year’s ballot; Republicans needed 2,351.

Democratic U.S. Sen. Ben Ray Lujan, who is seeking election to a second six-year term, qualified for the primary ballot as did Democratic challenger Matthew Dodson of Farmington. The only Republican who filed to run for Lujan’s Senate seat, Christopher Vanden Heuvel of Rio Rancho, fell far short of the 2,351 signatures he needed to secure a place on the ballot, leaving the GOP without a candidate for the party’s U.S. Senate nomination.

The Democrats’ nominee could still face opposition in November from an independent candidate or a challenger representing a minor party.

The New Mexico Secretary of State’s Office is responsible for determining which candidates qualify for the ballot and Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver secured a ballot position for herself as a candidate for the Democratic nomination for lieutenant governor. Democratic state Sen. Harold Pope also qualified as a candidate for lieutenant governor as did two Republicans, state Sen. David Gallegos and Albuquerque attorney Blair Dunn.

Following is a list of other candidates who qualified for the June 2 primary ballot.

New Mexico 1st Congressional District

Rep. Melanie Stansbury (D)

Steve Jones (R)

Ndidiamaka Ekwua Charlene Okpareke (R)

New Mexico 2nd Congressional District

Rep. Gabe Vasquez (D)

Greggory Cunningham (R)

Jose Orozco (R)

New Mexico 3rd Congressional District

Rep. Teresa Leger Fernandez (D)

Martin Zamora (R)

Secretary of State

Amanda López Askin (D)

Katharine Clark (D)

Romana Goolsby (R)

Sonya Smith (D)

Attorney General

Attorney General Raúl Torrez (D)

Samuel Kane (R)

Commissioner of Public Lands

Jonas Moya (D)

Matthew McQueen (D)

Michael Perry (R)

Juan De Jesus Sanchez III (D)

State Treasurer

Laura Montoya (D)

State Auditor

Joseph Maestas (D)

State Appeals Court Judge

Kris Houghton (D)

Legislative reporter Alex Ross can be followed on X @alexrosstweets.

Artesia boys basketball get revenge against Portales

Michael Smith
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Artesia boys basketball get revenge against Portales

JT Keith
Artesia Daily Press
jtkeith@elritomedia.com

The Artesia boys basketball team knew it had to bring its A-game to face a Portales team that had beaten them earlier in the year 64-63.

On Friday night at the Bulldog Pit, the Bulldogs unleashed on the Rams, defeating them 67-50.

“I thought we came out with a lot of energy,” Bulldogs head coach Michael Mondragon said. “I thought we started the game really well, and if there is one negative, I thought it was turnovers, and we lacked offensive execution.”

The Bulldogs (19-5, 4-1 District 4-4A) started the game with a 7-0 run, and Portales spent the rest of the time trying to catch up. The Rams made a run, scoring eight unanswered points to make the score 48-40 in the third quarter.

The one-two punch of Charlie Campbell IV and Braylon Vega, with 17 points each, led the Bulldogs’ scoring efforts.

“It just shows that both those guys can go off,” Mondragon said. “They both can score at different times, and I am really proud of these guys, and they are really sharing the ball.”

Both players will be vying for individual awards, including District 4-4A Player of the Year, All-State honors and possibly Gatorade Player of the Year.

With a victory over the Goddard Rockets on Friday, the Bulldogs can repeat as the District 4-4A champs and secure the No. 1 seed in the district tournament.

Mondragon said the key to this game and the rest of the season is defense and strong guarding. Artesia out-rebounded Portales 35-20 on the offensive end of the floor and will continue to pound the boards the rest of the season.

“This is a great statement win for us,” Mondragon said. “Now we have to get ready for the second season.”

Mondragon said his message to his team will be to finish the regular season strong and lock up the No. 1 seed for the district tournament.

“We have to make sure we keep getting better,” Mondragon said. “We need to continue to improve and play our best basketball come the end of February, beginning of March, as we go along in the tournament.”

JT Keith can be reached at 575-420-0061, or on X @JTKEITH1.

Opinion: one-sided Clear Horizons Act failed in Senate

Michael Smith
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Opinion: one-sided Clear Horizons Act failed in Senate

Sherry Robinson
All She Wrote

The Clear Horizons Act was another of those bills we’ve seen so often in New Mexico that balances the environment against the economy. In a floor vote, the Senate chose the economy.

Senate Bill 18 was one of those marquis bills that got a lot of attention before and during the session. Senate President Mimi Stewart, D-Albuquerque, revamped the bill she carried last year. It would help reduce natural disasters driven by climate change if legislators could cement greenhouse gas reductions in state law, supporters believed.

I’m not a climate-change denier, but I do pay attention when chambers of commerce, agriculture, dairy, utilities, tribes, construction, restaurants, mining, and oil and gas line up shoulder to shoulder in staunch opposition.

This year’s version would have made the governor’s 2019 executive order a law that mandated reducing greenhouse gas emissions 45% by 2030, 75% by 2040 and 100% by 2050. (The executive order remains in place, but when the governor’s term ends this year, a new governor could rescind the order.) And it would have set new methane emission limits for the oil and gas industry. Stewart tried to sweeten the bill by targeting the largest emitters and by allowing carbon offset programs for smaller oil and gas companies or those operating on tribal lands. The business sector wasn’t mollified.

Proponents and opponents spent heavily on advertising, not that you could learn much. Most of the ads predicted the sky would fall but didn’t explain what, exactly, the bill would do. After some searching I could see an outline of the arguments.

It begins with very big numbers. Keep in mind that New Mexico ranks second in oil production, behind Texas, and that the oil and gas industry generates about 35% of the state’s general fund revenue. In broad brushstrokes, the governor, Stewart and environmentalists figured that costs of the Clear Horizon Act would peel off a fraction of revenues, like sipping from a firehose. Stewart argued that we don’t have to choose between economic development and clean air. Industry countered that even a small percentage would be a big dent.

A similar law enacted in Colorado reduced production by 2%. That doesn’t sound like much, but in New Mexico a 2% reduction would diminish the state’s general fund by $53 million in 2030, according to calculations provided to the New Mexico Oil and Gas Association by the New Mexico Tax Research Institute. Also in 2030, it would ding the permanent fund by $183 million, and local governments would lose $48 million. The hits for 2050 are nearly $2 billion to the general fund, $1 billion to the permanent fund and $270 million for local governments.

Such a law in California reduced production by 6%.

That’s just the state revenue side. Representatives from agriculture, oil and gas, construction, rural electric utilities and conservation districts all testified that SB 18 would raise costs of energy, goods and services for consumers and lead to business failures .

Mind you, opponents don’t oppose a transition to cleaner energy. “These investments are good and necessary, but the timeline and mandates in SB 18 are too aggressive for our customers,” said Matthew Stackpole, speaking for the Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce.

Supporters of Project Jupiter, the data center going up in Santa Teresa, also complained about costs to consumers, along with the strong potential for litigation.

Ultimately, Republicans and seven Democrats shot it down 23 to 19 on fears that it would strangle the state’s economy. Environmentalists are mad at the seven, but bills like these separate the moderates from the progressives. It’s telling that one thumbs down came from Senate Finance Committee Chairman George Muñoz, of Gallup, a businessman who has a better understanding of the state’s revenues than most people in the Roundhouse. Others were: Bobby Gonzales of Taos; Shannon Pinto of Tohatchi, Benny Shendo of Jemez Pueblo, Joe Cervantes of Las Cruces, and Martin Hickey and Moe Maestes, both of Albuquerque.

Republican Gabriel Ramos, of Silver City, said: “I do believe we do need clean air (and) we need clean water. I mean, it’s something that we all want, but I think we’re not at a point to be so drastic.”

Sponsors, no doubt, will be back with the bill next year, but between now and then they should have some serious conversations with business and industry. Clearly, that didn’t happen this year.

Sherry Robinson is a longtime New Mexico reporter and editor. She has worked in Grants, Gallup, the Albuquerque Journal, New Mexico Business Weekly and Albuquerque Tribune. She is the author of four books. Her columns won first place in 2024 from New Mexico Press Women.

Artesia Police blotter

Michael Smith
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Artesia Police blotter

Feb 1

Arrest

Tabytha Leann Carrasco Lopez arrested for criminal trespass.

Ricky Lynn Ellis arrested for larceny from all other $500-$2500.

Jacob Orona arrested for aggravated DUI, speeding.

WELFARE

2:01 pm – Officer dispatched to 700 block W. Richardson Ave. in reference to welfare of a child.

DISTURBANCE

4:05 pm – Officer dispatched to 500 block of S. 20th St. in reference to disturbance.

WELFARE

7:20 pm – Officer dispatched to 700 block of W. James St. in reference to the welfare of an adult.

UNWANTED

8:24 pm – Officer dispatched to 1500 block of N. 1st St. in reference to an unwanted subject.

DISTURBANCE

9:21 pm – Officer dispatched to 1600 block of W. Hermosa Dr. in reference to disturbance.

WELFARE

10:30 pm – Officer dispatched to 1600 block of W. Hermosa Dr. in reference to the welfare of a child.

Feb 2

WELFARE

3:45 am – Officer dispatched to 1900 block of W. Richey Ave. in reference to the welfare of an adult.

INDECENT

8:57 am – Officer dispatched to 800 block of S. Roselawn Ave. in reference to indecent exposure.

WELFARE

9:19 am – Officer dispatched to 1900 block of W. Richey Ave. in reference to the welfare of an adult.

10:51 am – Officer dispatched to 400 block of W. Centre Ave. in reference to the welfare of an adult.

BATTERY

11:11 am – Officer dispatched to 1100 block of W. Bullock Ave. in reference to battery.

WELFARE

11:27 am – Officer dispatched to 400 block of W. Centre Ave. in reference to the welfare of an adult.

ACCIDENT

11:36 am – Officer dispatched to S. 1st St. and W. Main St. in reference to a motor vehicle accident.

THREATS

12:08 pm – Officer dispatched to 700 block of W. Lolita Ave. in reference to threats.

LARCENY

12:15 pm – Officer dispatched to 2000 block of W. Main St. in reference to larceny.

BATTERY

1:35 pm – Officer dispatched to 1000 block of W. Richardson Ave. in reference to battery.

ACCIDENT

3:06 pm – Officer dispatched to S. 13th St. and W. Hermosa Dr. in reference to a motor vehicle accident.

ALARM

3:07 pm -Officer dispatched to 1400 block of W. Ray Ave. in reference to a burglary alarm.

RECKLESS

3:44 pm – Officer dispatched to N. 8th St. and W. Texas Ave. in reference to a reckless vehicle.

ACCIDENT

4:57 pm – Officer dispatched to W. Hermosa Dr. and S. 20th St. in reference to a motor vehicle accident.

6:04 pm – Officer dispatched to 1100 block of W. Bullock Ave. in reference to a motor vehicle accident.

UNWANTED

6:22 pm – Officer dispatched to 700 block of N. 10th St. in reference to an unwanted subject.

DOMESTIC

8:14 pm – Officer dispatched to 900 block of S. 3rd St. in reference to verbal domestic.

INDECENT

8:33 pm – Officer dispatched to 1700 block of W. Main St. in reference to indecent exposure.

WELFARE

8:42 pm – Officer dispatched to 1900 block of W. Richey Ave. in reference to the welfare of an adult.

SUSPICIOUS

11:00 pm – Officer dispatched to 2200 block of W. Main St. in reference to suspicious activity.

Feb. 3

Arrest

Jason Ray Hernandez arrested for battery against a household member, false imprisonment.

Traci Leigh Madrid arrested for battery against a household member.

SUSPICIOUS

12:00 am – Officer dispatched to 1000 block of N. Roselawn Ave. in reference to suspicious person.

DISTURBANCE

12:05 am – Officer dispatched to 700 block of N. 10th St. in reference to neighborly disturbance.

LOUD

5:01 am- Officer dispatched to 700 block of N. 10th St. in reference to a loud noise.

STOLEN

5:19 am – Officer dispatched to 900 block of S. 2nd St. in reference to a stolen vehicle.

VANDAL

8:58 am – Officer dispatched to 3100 block of W. Main St. in reference to vandal.

DISTURBANCE

10:32 am – Officer dispatched to N. 12th St and W. Main St. in reference to disorderly disturbance.

WELFARE

10:39 am – Officer dispatched to 200 block of W. Quay Ave. in reference to welfare of an adult.

11:31 am – Officer dispatched to 800 block of S. 1st St. in reference to the welfare of an adult.

ACCIDENT

12:19 pm – Officer dispatched to 400 block of W. Richardson Ave. in reference to a motor vehicle accident.

THREATS

1:17 pm – Officer dispatched to 3200 block of W. Main St. in reference to threats.

UNWANTED

1:27 pm – Officer dispatched to 700 block of N. 10th St. in reference to an unwanted subject.

SUSPICIOUS

1:43 pm – Officer dispatched to 800 block of N. 5th St. in reference to suspicious trespass.

DISTURBANCE

2:48 pm – Officer dispatched to 700 block of W. Centre Ave. in reference to a family disturbance.

SUSPICIOUS

7:18 pm – Officer dispatched to 1400 block of W. Hermosa Dr. in reference to a suspicious person.

DISTURBANCE

9:06 pm – Officer dispatched to 700 block of N. 10th St. in reference to disturbance.

WELFARE

9:13 pm – Officer dispatched to 1100 block of W. Merchant Ave. in reference to the welfare of an adult.

DOMESTIC

9:46 pm – Officer dispatched to 900 block of W. Chisum Ave. in reference to domestic.

Feb 4

Arrest

Jesse Ray Barraza arrested for resisting, evading, obstructing an officer.

Erlinda Evette Gutierrez arrested for controlled substance, possession prohibited.

SHOTS FIRED

2:34 am – Officer dispatched to 600 block of W. Chisum Ave. in reference to shots fired in the area.

WELFARE

8:57 am – Officer dispatched to N. 7th St. and W. James Ave. in reference to the welfare of an adult.

DISTURBANCE

10:16 am – Officer dispatched to 1900 block of W. Richey Ave. in reference to family disturbance.

DOMESTIC

11:25 am – Officer dispatched to S. St. and W. Hermosa Dr. in reference to physical domestic.

WELFARE

12:34 pm – Officer dispatched to 600 block of W. Washington Ave. in reference to the welfare of an adult

ALARM

3:41 pm – Officer dispatched to 3700 block of W. Grand Ave. in reference to burglary alarm.

DISTURBANCE

4:12 pm – Officer dispatched to 900 block of N. 4th St. in reference to disorderly disturbance.

WELFARE

7:16 pm – Officer dispatched to 2600 block of W. Richey Ave. in reference to the welfare of an adult.

SUSPICIOUS

11:39 pm – Officer dispatched to 800 block of S. Roselawn Ave. in reference to a suspicious trespass.

UNWANTED

11:44 pm- Officer dispatched to 900 block of N. 4th St. in reference to an unwanted subject.

Feb 5

RECKLESS

7:58 am -Officer dispatched to S. 20th St. and W. Washington Ave. in reference to a reckless vehicle.

Morgan Fisher excited for state meet

Michael Smith
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Morgan Fisher excited for state meet

JT Keith
Artesia Daily Press
jtkeith@elritomedia.com

Artesia sophomore Morgan Fisher might be the best-kept secret in state swimming.

If she does well at the state meet Feb. 20-21 in Albuquerque, Fisher won’t be unknown heading into her junior year.

At the District 3/4 meet on Saturday at the Artesia Aquatic Center, she earned five medals.

It was her second consecutive district title in the 100-meter breaststroke, winning with a time of 1:12.38. Fisher and her teammates then placed third in the 200-meter individual medley, second in the 200-medley relay and second in the free relay.

Fisher was trailing in the 100-meter breaststroke and chased a swimmer down to win.

“I think that is my competitive drive,” Fisher said about catching her competitor at the end. “In practice, I am really fun and carefree, but when I get to a competition, I know that it’s time to lock in.”

With the state up next, Fisher said she would like to get into the top three and finish in both of her individual events and help carry the team to the finals.

“My main goal for the 100-meter breaststroke is to finish in the top three in the state,” Fisher said.

Fisher said the major difference between this year and last is simply confidence in herself.

“This year I have gained a lot of confidence,” Fisher said. “I did not believe in myself last year, and I have grown as a person.”

With five seniors, the team is rebuilding and expects Fisher to be crucial to its future success.

Fisher helped the team finish second at the district meet, as she, Johanna A. Padilla, Sarah Plotner and Carly DeHoyos took second in the 200-yard medley relay.

Artesia swim coach Andrea Ciro said she is happy with the team and what it accomplished this year at the district meet.

“Of course, we would have liked to finish first,” Ciro said. “I think the kids have had a fantastic meet. We had a lot of great times, and we won many events. It was a fabulous meet; it was awesome.”

JT Keith can be reached at 575-420-0061, or on X @JTKEITH1.

Joseph Wright seeks District 2 City Council seat

Michael Smith
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Joseph Wright seeks District 2 City Council seat

Mike Smith
Artesia Daily Press
msmith@currentargus.com

Editor’s note: The Artesia Daily Press has submitted questionnaires to candidates running for Artesia City Council and mayor in the March 3 municipal elections. The newspaper is publishing each of the responses in the order they are received.

Joseph “Woody” Wright is 72 year old. He retired in 2023 as site director for the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) in Artesia.

Wright and Nathan Ryno are seeking the District 2 council seat currently held by George Mullen, who decided not to run for reelection.

Why did you decide to run for City Council?

“After retiring, I felt a strong desire to continue serving the community that has meant so much to me. Running for City Council allows me to use my experience to give back to Artesia.”

What is your day-one priority if elected?

“My day-one priority is informed leadership. I will listen first by meeting with the mayor, fellow council members, and department heads to understand the current state of the city and its needs, so I can serve our residents effectively from day one.”

What do you see as the biggest needs for City Council and what can you do as a councilor to meet those needs?

“The greatest need I see for the City Council is open, respectful communication. I will prioritize listening to residents, the mayor, and fellow council members, and work collaboratively to make thoughtful, well-informed decisions for the city.”

How would you like to see the city of Artesia spend tax revenues for city services?

“City funds should be spent based on complete and accurate financial data, a clear understanding of competing priorities, and an honest assessment of urgency so resources are directed where they are most needed and provide the greatest benefit to residents.”

What can the City Council do to improve municipal services such as road maintenance for Artesia residents, especially those living in rural areas of the city?

“Improving municipal services, including road conditions in rural areas, begins with evaluating how services are delivered across the city. Within a balanced budget, the City Council must prioritize the greatest needs and develop a strategic plan to address them responsibly and equitably.”

Mike Smith can be reached at 575-628-5546 extension-2361.

NMMI team wins annual Carlsbad Science Bowl

Michael Smith
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NMMI team wins annual Carlsbad Science Bowl

Staff reports

After a nearly a full day of academic competition, Team 1 from New Mexico Military Institute (NMMI) in Roswell was named champion of the third annual Southeastern New Mexico Regional Science Bowl. This was NMMI’s third championship win in the past three years.

Hosted and sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and Salado Isolation Mining Contractors (SIMCO), ten teams of students competed in a round-robin style competition, each hoping to represent the Southeast New Mexico region at the National Science Bowl in Washington, D.C., April 28 – May 4, 2026.

The competition was held at Southeast New Mexico College in Carlsbad, where teams from Carlsbad Early College High School, New Mexico Military Institute, Carlsbad High School and Hobbs High School participated. Team 1 from NMMI emerged the winner and is moving on to compete nationally. Team 2 from Carlsbad High School finished second, followed by Team 2 at NMMI in third place.

Throughout the 34-year history of the National Science Bowl, approximately 344,000 students have competed in the National Science Bowl® program. Teams are composed of four students, one alternate and a teacher who serves as an advisor and coach. The competition tests the students on a range of science disciplines including biology, chemistry, earth science, physics, energy and math.

Here are the winners of this year’s competition.

First Place

New Mexico Military Institute Team 1

Coach: Colonel Aonan Tang

Team:

Lucas Tang

Yamming Wu

Leon Kaufmann Martinez

Sooah Kim

Sylvia Xu

Second Place

Carlsbad High School Team 2

Coach: Danelle Middleton

Team:

Jack Dodd

Raj Bhakta

Chloe Melvin

August McCuaig

Olivia Jang

Third Place

New Mexico Military Institute Team 2

Coach: Colonel Aonan Tang

Team:

Kevin Chang

Colin Zhang

Nikola Frye

Tianxing Li

Vittorio Vettore

Terry Todd aims to continue public service as mayor

Michael Smith
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Terry Todd aims to continue public service as mayor

Mike Smith
Artesia Daily Press
msmith@currentargus.com

Editor’s note: The Artesia Daily Press has submitted questionnaires to candidates running for Artesia City Council and mayor in the March 3 municipal elections. The newspaper is publishing each of the responses in the order they are received.

Born in Roswell in 64 years ago, Terry Todd has lived in Artesia since 1982 and is running to replace current Mayor Jon Henry, who decided not to seek another term.

Todd is facing District 3 City Councilor and Mayor Pro Tem Jeff Youtsey.

What made you decide to run for this office?

“For over a decade I have had a desire to serve in an elected service office. Service is in my family’s DNA and after a 40-year career of serving the public with the New Mexico State Police and the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center I wanted to take the next step in public office.”

What is your day-one priority if elected?

“There is definitely more than one specific priority walking into the mayor’s position. My top priorities will be to engage with the city’s workforce, look at any consistent concerns voiced by the public and the current status of addressing the concerns, current budget, remaining expenditures for the fiscal year, and establishing rapport with the City Council and their expertise.”

What do you see as the biggest needs for City Council and the mayor’s office, and what can you do as mayor to meet those needs?

“(To) ensure we maintain a holistic view of what the city needs vs. leaning heavily toward one particular area over another. “With the new city administrator in place, the mayor can focus toward working with the council and the community developing multi-year strategic initiatives while remaining flexible enough to shift if unforeseen issues arise.”

How would like you to see the city of Artesia spend tax revenues for city services?

“Spend efficiently, within budget, but also proactively to ensure the workforce is properly staffed and equipped with the resources and training to not only do their jobs, but to do them with excellence.”

What can the City Council do to improve municipal services such as road maintenance for Artesia residents, especially those living in rural areas of the city?

“Every municipal provided service is competing for the same dollar. Because of that, projects such as road maintenance (which is very expensive) have to be thoroughly vetted incorporating data-driven decision making while including quality of life implications for our residents.”

Mike Smith can be reached at 575-628-5546 extension-2361.

SIMCO offers student grants

Michael Smith
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SIMCO offers student grants

Staff reports

With graduation season around the corner, Salado Isolation Mining Contractors LLC (SIMCO) is accepting applications for college scholarships through its SIMCO Education Scholarship Program.

Graduating seniors from Eddy and Lea counties can apply beginning February 13, 2026, through March 13, 2026.

A limited number of one-time $1,000 scholarships are available to qualified 2026 graduating seniors selected from Carlsbad, Hobbs, and Loving schools. SIMCO will accept applications online until 5 p.m. on March 13, 2026.

Applications received after the deadline will not be considered. Selected recipients will be notified no later than March 25, 2026.

SIMCO realizes that education is the foundation of a strong and thriving community. The recipients of these SIMCO scholarships are the daughters and sons of our employees, our families, and our friends. Celebrating their academic achievement not only provides them with educational opportunities, it enriches our region when they return to work and raise families here.

The online application, along with information about proposal and evaluation criteria, is available at

https://form.jotform.com/230386090101040.

For more information about the SIMCO Education Scholarships Program, contact Dr. Joy James-Foster, Education

Outreach, SIMCO Communications, at (575) 234-7512 or joy.james-foster@wipp.doe.gov

Christ, our hero and Transfiguration Sunday

Michael Smith
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Christ, our hero and Transfiguration Sunday

David Grousnick

First Christian Church, Artesia

Children’s stories are full of characters who move back and forth between different realms of reality.

Take Cinderella, for example. You know the story of four mice pulling a pumpkin, whisking Cinderella away from poverty into an exalted moment of acceptance and glory. In one transforming moment, the servant is transformed into the queen of the ball. Suddenly, everyone can see Cinderella’s beauty and worth.

Or take the story of The Lion King, where Simba, a young lion cub, makes a series of selfish choices that lead to his father’s death. He has to flee. After a long exile, he is challenged to return. While wrestling with the decision, he sees in a pond his own image, mysteriously transfigured into the image of his deceased father. In that moment, he sees the purpose of his life and discovers the courage to return.

Or take Beauty and the Beast, where the beast is transformed by love back into a prince.

In these stories, reality is seen in a whole new way. As for the disciples, during these very mysterious moments on the mountain, as recorded for us in Matthew 17:1-9, the one they had followed up the mountain was transfigured before them.

This Sunday is Transfiguration Sunday. So, what does it mean to be transfigured? Let’s try to flesh this out a bit.

In order to become a minister in most denominations, a ministerial candidate must be examined and tested theologically. The church has a right and an obligation to know if a person is theologically sound before authorizing ordination, so theological questions are asked.

I heard recently about a veteran minister who always asks the same theological question of every potential minister; indeed, he has been asking this question of every candidate for over 30 years.

He begins by asking the candidate to look out the window. The puzzled examinee peers out the window, and the old minister adds, “Tell me when you see a person out there.”

“I see one,” the candidate will haltingly announce.

“Do you know that person personally?”

“No, sir.”

“Good. Now, my question is this: Will you please describe that person theologically?”

In three decades of experience in asking that question, the seasoned minister has found that the candidates tend to give one of two different answers.

Some will say something like, “That person is a sinner in need of the redemption of Jesus Christ.”

Others, however, will respond, “Whether they know it or not, that person is a child of God, loved and upheld by the grace of God in Jesus Christ.”

“I suppose,” this minister reflects, “that, technically, both of these answers are theologically correct. But it is my experience that those who give the second answer make the better ministers.”

The reason, of course, is that they have the gift of “transfiguration discernment.” They are able to see people in the present tense, in the middle of their circumstances, but they are also able to see more than just the present tense.

They can also see them as they were at the beginning of creation and as they will be in God’s future – a beloved child of God.

In the summer of 1941, Sergeant James Allen Ward was awarded the Victoria Cross for climbing out onto the wing of his Wellington bomber at 13,000 feet above ground to extinguish a fire in the starboard engine. Secured only by a rope around his waist, he managed to smother the fire and return along the wing to the aircraft’s cabin.

Winston Churchill, an admirer as well as a performer of swashbuckling exploits, summoned the shy New Zealander to 10 Downing Street. Ward, struck dumb with awe in Churchill’s presence, was unable to answer the prime minister’s questions. Churchill surveyed the unhappy hero with some compassion.

“You must feel very humble and awkward in my presence,” he said,

“Yes, Sir,” managed Ward.

“Then you can imagine how humble and awkward I feel in yours,” returned Churchill.

Churchill knew he was in the presence of a real hero. So did the disciples. In fact, they knew they were in the presence of someone whose significance went beyond celebrity, even beyond heroic. He was their Lord, their Master, their King. If we are wise, he will be our Lord, our Master, our King. If we are wise, Christ will be our Hero, too.

Have a great Valentine’s Day weekend!

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