Joel M Bradshaw

12Since we have such a hope, we are very bold, 13not like Moses, who would put a veil over his face so that the Israelites might not gaze at the outcome of what was being brought to an end. 14But their minds were hardened. For to this day, when they read the old covenant, that same veil remains unlifted, because only through Christ is it taken away. 15Yes, to this day whenever Moses is read a veil lies over their hearts. 16But when one turns to the Lord, the veil is removed.–2 Corinthians 3

I do a weekly worship service at a nursing home. It is one of my favorite times of the week. In the service we read a psalm from the Old Testament and a passage from the Gospels. I enjoy unpacking the Bible with my friends and singing traditional hymns that they enjoy.

There’s a resident who attends weekly and she lets everyone know that Christianity is not her religion. She doesn’t sing the hymns, but she listens to my little sermons and is happy when I pray a blessing over her at the end of the service.

We all have coffee in the dining room after service and this conversation unfolded between me and her. She always insists upon calling me ‘Reverend.’ She’s literally the only one in my life who does so! She also reminds me weekly that she is Jewish.

“It was so nice to see you this week.”

“I’m Jewish, Reverend, but I do enjoy how you unpack the psalm each time.”

“What about the Gospel passage? What do you think about Jesus?”

“You do a good job with that too, Reverend. But Jesus was a renegade rabbi. I don’t think I will ever see him the way you do. But I like how you explain his words.”

I thought about her as I read Paul’s words this morning. I also think “Renegade Rabbi” would make a fun comic strip. I wonder if she has a veil upon her heart as Paul described. I consider if her heart is hardened to the message of the Gospel. I look forward to seeing her every week and having our little friendly conversations. What about your own heart is hardened towards Jesus? The two most difficult subjects Jesus preached were love of enemies and self-denial.–JMB