Well Words Wednesday | A Lenten Reflection: Lifting the Veil
03 05 2025
As Episcopalians, we are invited “to the observance of a holy Lent, by self-examination and repentance; by prayer, fasting, and self-denial; and by reading and meditating on God's holy Word” (BCP, p. 265). The hope is that by practicing these disciplines, we will be drawn into a closer relationship with God and His will for us.
The question we most often hear leading up to this time of year is “What are you giving up for Lent?” The answers can vary, but they are most often associated with the denial of a favorite food or drink item, such as chocolate or coffee. Often it seems that self-denial and various forms of fasting are the focus of Lenten practices, but I would like to issue a challenge to broaden your perspective of what you might want to give up. More importantly, consider adding a new habit that could just be the linchpin to all that we are invited to observe during this holy season.
Recently I came across an article that was titled: “What Does the Bible Say About the Veil Being Lifted?” That question prompted a deeper reflection on two questions that I often ponder: “What separates me from God?” followed by the question, “How can I draw closer to God in my daily life?” These two questions seem relevant for the season of Lent.
In the Bible, a veil is used to symbolize the separation between God and man. “Lifting the veil” is a metaphor for seeing God more clearly or removing a barrier that separates us from God. In 2 Corinthians 3:16 Paul writes: “but when one turns to the Lord, the veil is removed.”
What are the veils that cover your heart and mind and prevent you from having a deeper relationship with God? What are the things that separate you form God?
- Distractions/idols: technology, social media, busyness and overcommitment, worldly desires and pursuits, power, money, possessions, career goals.
- Our emotions: fear, anxiety, sadness, pain, envy, shame, pursuit of pleasure.
- Our thoughts: Negative self-talk, self-doubt, comparing ourselves to others, perfectionism, focusing only on the negative.
- Our Ego: Self-centeredness, pride, desire to control, judgment.
- Sin: Those things that go against God’s will and separate us from Him.
Is there one habit I could add to my daily life to help me remove the veils that separate me from God, thereby drawing me into a closer relationship with Him?
Schedule time each day with God for studying scripture, for self-examination, and for prayer. As stated above, the Book of Common Prayer calls on us to observe Lent by self-examination, prayer, and reading and meditating on God’s holy Word.
It may feel daunting at first to add something to your already busy schedule, but it will be the most important habit you can develop and carry with you out of this Lenten season. Whether you set aside time early in the morning, in the middle of your day, or at night, be consistent. Being consistent is the best way to develop a new habit. Rick Warren has this to say: “Fix a daily time with God. That means you nail it down. You drive a stake into the ground.” The reason this is the most important habit is because the most important relationship you have is with your Heavenly Father. What could be more important than getting to know Him better, gaining a better understanding of His will for your life, and learning how to access the strength to carry out His will?
Drawing closer to God involves spending more time with Him. The more time you spend with Him in prayer and meditating on His holy Word, the more you will become attuned to His presence in your life. What takes up space in our hearts and minds is what directs our thoughts and impacts the lens through which we view our circumstances and the world. By giving God more space, the space the veil takes up will be reduced.
Scheduling time each day with God for studying scripture, self-examination, and prayer will have a noticeable impact on the rest of your waking time. Focus on developing this new habit during Lent so that you can continue it throughout your life. Starting your day with God as your foundation will help you keep your antennae up throughout the day for His presence and guidance. It will fortify you with strength when you are faced with challenges and temptations. It will strengthen your faith. It will give you peace throughout the day, and it will help you put your stress and anxiety into perspective. Most importantly it will help you redirect your attention to what truly matters. I pray this season of Lent will offer you a time for growth in your spiritual journey, and as Easter arrives, may you be filled with renewed hope, joy, and peace that comes with the resurrection of Christ.
… 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.
2 Corinthians 3:16-18
