5th March 2025

The lectionary readings this week all reflect on the aftermath of Moses’ encounter with God on Mount Sinai. When Moses returned from the mountain to the people, his face was glowing from being in the presence of God (Exodus 34.28-35). As the glow faded, he covered his face with a veil until he returned to the Tabernacle to meet with God again. When he emerged from that tent, his face was aglow once more.

In his Second Letter to the Corinthians (3.12-18), Paul picks up this story and likens the veil over Moses’ face to a “veil of misunderstanding” that prevents people from really understanding the Scriptures that reveal God. Only by believing in Christ can that spiritual veil be removed. Only then we can receive life and freedom, as the Spirit of the Lord works within us.

My attention was caught by the idea that Moses had to return to the presence of God in order for the glow to be “topped up”. Similarly in that Corinthians passage, we are likened to “mirrors that brightly reflect the glory of the Lord” (3.18) – but unless it is actually in the light, a mirror has nothing to reflect. Without the presence of the Lord, the glow fades, the mirror darkens.

So let us spend time in the presence of God this week – in prayer, in worship, in meeting together, in the midst of the busyness of life. Then let us take the glow into the lives of all the people we meet.

Ian Waddington