As we reflect on the readings, particularly from 2 Corinthians, we encounter the powerful image of the "veil"—a symbol rich with meaning, both spiritual and practical, most commonly referring to that by which something else is hidden. The Apostle Paul uses this imagery to describe a profound truth about our relationship with God, the clarity of His revelation, and our openness to His transforming grace.
St. Paul tells us that "whenever Moses is read, a veil lies over the hearts of the children of Israel." This veil represents spiritual blindness—a barrier that prevents people from fully perceiving God's glory and recognizing His presence. It signifies the hardness of heart, the resistance to accept God's truth, and the inability to see Jesus as the fulfillment of God's promise. The veil is not just a physical cloth but a symbol of spiritual opacity, obscuring the divine light from those who are not open to God's revelation.
But Paul offers hope: "whenever a person turns to the Lord, the veil is removed." This turning, or repentance, signifies openness, humility, and faith. When we shift our gaze from ourselves or worldly distractions and direct our hearts toward Jesus, the veil lifts. The Spirit of the Lord brings freedom—freedom from ignorance, from sin, from spiritual blindness. As we gaze upon the Lord with unveiled faces, we are transformed "from glory to glory," into His likeness. That means that the interior transformation being wrought within us by the Holy Spirit, is ongoing and dynamic, so as to be greater imitators of Christ.
Paul also speaks of the Gospel being "veiled" for those who are perishing, blinded by "the god of this age." This highlights that spiritual blindness is often a consequence of spiritual opposition—forces that seek to keep humanity in darkness, away from the light of Christ. Yet, the Gospel is inherently luminous; it reveals God's glory to those who are willing to see. Our role as believers is to remove the veils by sharing the Gospel and living out the truth, so that others may see the light and be transformed.
In the Gospel, Jesus emphasizes that righteousness must go beyond external observance—beyond the letter of the law—to the heart's true disposition. This echoes Paul’s message: the true "veil" is not just physical but a spiritual blindness that keeps us from seeing God's justice and mercy. Jesus calls us to a righteousness that is unveiled—transparent and authentic—rooted in love, reconciliation, and inner purity.
Today, the "veil" can symbolize many things in our lives: fear, pride, complacency, or the distractions that prevent us from seeing Christ clearly. It can also represent the barriers we put up that hinder our understanding of God's will and His love for us and others. But there is good news: through repentance, prayer, and openness to the Holy Spirit, the veil is lifted. We are called to be people who seek the light, who allow God's Spirit to transform our hearts from darkness into light. This also involves patience and perseverance, especially when sharing the Gospel with others whose hearts may still be hardened.
The Gospel reminds us that reconciliation is essential. Jesus teaches that before offering our gifts at the altar, we should reconcile with our brothers and sisters. This act of making peace is akin to removing the veil—clearing the obstacles that hinder genuine relationship with God and neighbor, countering the complacency that may set in when that relationship is strained.
Let us therefore pray for the grace to be unveiled, and to walk in the freedom of the Spirit, sharing the light of Christ with a world yearning for spiritual vision. Mary, Queen of Purity, pray for us who have recourse to thee. Amen.
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