June 10, 2021

2 Cor 3:15-4:1, 3-6

Indeed, to this very day whenever Moses is read, a veil lies over their minds; but when one turns to the Lord, the veil is removed. Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And all of us, with unveiled faces, seeing the glory of the Lord as though reflected in a mirror, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another; for this comes from the Lord, the Spirit.

Therefore, since it is by God’s mercy that we are engaged in this ministry, we do not lose heart. And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. For we do not proclaim ourselves; we proclaim Jesus Christ as Lord and ourselves as your slaves for Jesus’ sake. For it is the God who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

New Revised Standard Version, copyright 1989, by the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. USCCB approved.

Unveil our hearts

The image of a veil over one’s heart could be interpreted multiple ways. Perhaps one is holding back from showing his/her heart and expressing their love. Or maybe the veil covering the heart is impacting the ability to receive love from others. In any case, this veil is a barrier, and it is essential that we challenge ourselves to take it off. As today’s Scripture reading says, in order to do so, we must turn toward Christ. Later in the reading, Paul says, “For we do not preach ourselves but Jesus Christ as Lord.” With this, the Jesuit motto ad majorem dei gloriam (“for the greater glory of God”) comes to mind. Once we turn to Christ and allow our hearts to be unveiled, we can begin to show others the way to God. How can we unveil our hearts to others and express God’s love today? When we interact with others, are we doing so in a way that leads them to God? —Grace Rice is the Assistant Director of Communications for the Midwest Jesuits.  

Prayer

Govern everything by your wisdom, O Lord, so that my soul may always be serving you
in the way you will
and not as I choose.
Let me die to myself so that I may serve you;
let me live to you who are life itself.
Amen.

—St. Teresa of Avila

Please share the Good Word with your friends!