2 Corinthians 3:12-18
12 Since, then, we have such a hope, we act with great boldness, 13 not like Moses, who put a veil over his face to keep the people of Israel from gazing at the end of the glory that was being set aside. 14 But their minds were hardened. Indeed, to this very day, when they hear the reading of the old covenant, that same veil is still there, since only in Christ is it set aside. 15 Indeed, to this very day whenever Moses is read, a veil lies over their minds; 16 but when one turns to the Lord, the veil is removed. 17 Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 18 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.
14 But their minds were hardened. Indeed, to this very day, when they hear the reading of the old covenant, that same veil is still there, since only in Christ is it set aside.
It’s difficult to read passages, like today’s, that have been used to justify antisemitism. We know that those who have used them in this way were, at best, misinterpreting them or, at worst, using them with evil intent.
The Stadtkirche, in Wittenberg, Germany, has a grotesque, clearly antisemitic, image carved into the wall beside the chancel. It is deeply disturbing to see this abomination boldly displayed in that beautiful Sanctuary. My first reaction was to ask why it hadn’t been removed. And then I saw the plaque mounted just below the image. The plaque explains, in multiple languages, that the congregation chose to keep the image where it is as a reminder to everyone who sees it that none of us is ever far from Sin. There is also a commemoration of the public apology made to the Wittenberg Jewish community and a pledge to live together in unity.
This is a cautionary tale for all of us. If anyone tries to convince you to do something in Jesus’ Name that violates Jesus’ command to love God and love our neighbor, just say no.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, forgive me for all the ways I find to harm others instead of loving them. Make me an instrument of your peace. AMEN