Transformation: Vision and the Veil
Exodus 34:29-35
This week's lectionary scriptures develop the theme of transformation in the presence of God. Here, Moses' face is illuminated, so much so that when he descends people can't stop staring at him, can't stop talking about it, and Moses puts on a veil. Every time he goes to speak with God, Moses takes off the veil, then returns to the world and puts the veil back on again.
Moses understood something about encountering God and then returning to the world. In the presence of God one sees clearly, and is illuminated. When one returns to the world after such an experience, it is like looking at the world through a veil - things aren't as clear or as certain, the confidence and conviction and comprehensive understanding are gone, and there is a barrier between you and the world. This veil is only lifted again in the Presence of that Transforming Power.
Moses would try his best to communicate his experience on the mountain - and he phrased it in the language of commandment - a harsh and ruling word, but sometimes necessary to speak the truth. But note also that these words must be spoken, must be communicated. Commandments given to Moses cannot stay with Moses alone - they must be shared. Hence, the beginning of corporate spirituality, communal responsibility for faith. Even if we see but through a veil, we must share the vision given us in Transformation. When we come down from the mountains, come out from the Tabernacles, are are given new vision of the world, we must share.
Despite partial understanding, confused vision, we are commanded to act as if our world and behavior was sacred - to make our lives a covenant (a living sacrifice).
This week's lectionary scriptures develop the theme of transformation in the presence of God. Here, Moses' face is illuminated, so much so that when he descends people can't stop staring at him, can't stop talking about it, and Moses puts on a veil. Every time he goes to speak with God, Moses takes off the veil, then returns to the world and puts the veil back on again.
Moses understood something about encountering God and then returning to the world. In the presence of God one sees clearly, and is illuminated. When one returns to the world after such an experience, it is like looking at the world through a veil - things aren't as clear or as certain, the confidence and conviction and comprehensive understanding are gone, and there is a barrier between you and the world. This veil is only lifted again in the Presence of that Transforming Power.
Moses would try his best to communicate his experience on the mountain - and he phrased it in the language of commandment - a harsh and ruling word, but sometimes necessary to speak the truth. But note also that these words must be spoken, must be communicated. Commandments given to Moses cannot stay with Moses alone - they must be shared. Hence, the beginning of corporate spirituality, communal responsibility for faith. Even if we see but through a veil, we must share the vision given us in Transformation. When we come down from the mountains, come out from the Tabernacles, are are given new vision of the world, we must share.
Despite partial understanding, confused vision, we are commanded to act as if our world and behavior was sacred - to make our lives a covenant (a living sacrifice).
posted by Christian at 10:07 AM
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