Truth Beneath the Veil

The Lord's rebuke today falls on those who hide corruption beneath a fair covering. Judah judged Tamar by her veil and ornament, yet his own lust and injustice were nearer to him than the sin he imagined in another. Tertullian says, "It was the fact that Thamar had painted out and adorned herself that led Judah to regard her as a harlot, and thus, because she was hidden beneath her veil,— the quality of her garb belying her as if she had been a harlot — he judged (her to be one), and addressed and bargained with (her as such)." So also Jerusalem made merry when it should have wept, and the Pharisees cleaned the outside while within they stored death.

This is the common disease: to fear shame more than sin, to prepare appearances rather than repentance, to speak God's law while refusing God's judgment upon ourselves. Therefore the Lord does not praise a polished surface. He asks for mourning, truth in the inward parts, just dealings, and obedience without pretense. Clement repeats His word: "Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! says the Lord, for you are like to whited sepulchres. Without, the sepulchre appears beautiful, but within it is full of dead men's bones and all uncleanness. Matthew 23:27"

Let no one say, "Let us eat and drink," while judgment stands at the gate. Let no one load others with burdens he will not carry. Let no one condemn in another what he excuses in himself. Better an honest confession than a bright mask. Better tears now than terror later. The Lord who sees under veils also receives the penitent. Therefore cast away pretense, do justice, and make your life agree with your words.