By Katie Harmon-McLaughlin, Formation Ministries director

Since, then, we have such a hope, we act with great boldness, 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. 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. Indeed, to this very day whenever Moses is read, a veil lies over their minds; but when one turns to the Lord, the veil is removed. Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 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.

Therefore, since it is by God’s mercy that we are engaged in this ministry, we do not lose heart. We have renounced the shameful things that one hides; we refuse to practice cunning or to falsify God’s word; but by the open statement of the truth we commend ourselves to the conscience of everyone in the sight of God

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Spiritual Director Janet Ruffing notices that we engage in “endlessly inventive evasion” (Spiritual Direction: Beyond the Beginnings, p. 33) of the invitations and encounters of the Holy Spirit for which we yearn. This can be a surprising paradox for us! We want to see through a veil like Moses, or we fall to the ground in fear like the disciples during the transfiguration of Jesus. There is something about the immediacy of divine presence and encounter that is almost too much to bear.

It can be daunting to come into the presence of the Transforming One. There are things we want to hold onto because they are familiar even when they no longer bring life. Amid our comfortable routines, the Holy Spirit is a holy disruptive force reminding us to keep awake and not dull our senses to the invitations that await us. Doctrine and Covenants 164:9b reminds us, “When your willingness to live in sacred community as Christ’s new creation exceeds your natural fear of spiritual and relational transformation, you will become who you are called to be.”

The good news is that God’s invitation and presence are perpetual and unceasing even when we resist. Grace and love abound. With our scriptural ancestors, we too need the frequent reminder, “Do not be afraid.” We might not ever feel totally free and open, but when our love and freedom outweigh our fear and resistance, we find the courage to take the next faithful step.

Prayer Phrase

“Love does no wrong to a neighbor…” (Romans 13:10).

Spiritual Practice

Tears of Compassion

Offer a silent prayer for the gift of God’s compassion. Cup your hands and ask God to make you aware of the suffering that causes the Earth and its inhabitants to groan and weep. Be open to faces or places, sounds or voices, feelings of connection with those who suffer. Imagine catching the tears of those you see and holding them in your hands. Listen for prayer images or words God may give you. Discern any active responses of ministry or healing you sense invited to complete for those who weep.

Today’s Prayer for Peace

Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.