Knowing The Word in 2 Corinthians: The Veil, 3:12-16

The Veil

12 Since we have such a hope, we are very bold, 13 not like Moses, who would put a veil over his face so that the Israelites might not gaze at the outcome of what was being brought to an end. 14 But their minds were hardened. For to this day, when they read the old covenant, that same veil remains unlifted, because only through Christ is it taken away. 15 Yes, to this day whenever Moses is read a veil lies over their hearts. 16 But when one turns to the Lord, the veil is removed.

The Israelites could not bear to look at Moses and see the glory of God on his face. Christians, however, are to look to Jesus. As one song puts it, “Turn your eyes upon Jesus. Look full in his wonderful face, and the things of earth will grow strangely dim, in the light of his glory and grace.” I think Paul means that the Spirit helps us see that Jesus is the greater glory. The Spirit unveils the human heart so we can see who Jesus truly is. He is the very mirror in which we see God and God’s glory, because Jesus, unlike Moses, is the very image, the full human representation of God. We only and truly understand who God is through the revelation of Jesus who surpasses the previous revelation in the Old Covenant.

My Jesus, from all eternity you were pleased to give yourself to us in love. And you planted within us a deep spiritual desire that can only be satisfied by yourself.

My Jesus, how good it is to love you. Let me be like your disciples on Mount Tabor, seeing nothing else but you. Let us be like two bosom friends, neither of whom can ever bear to offend the other.

Jean-Baptiste Marie Vianney, 1786-1859