NOMOS AND CHARIS IN CONFLICT? - What Paul seems to be doing in 2 Corinthians 3 is contrasting one covenant to another-one as being inferior to another. The step is small to move from that interpretation to a complete disparagement of Israel’s earlier covenant as being at best preparatory and at worse, inadequate. Is that where Paul is heading? In the Middle Ages, cathedral statuary took this "ours is better" understanding of the text and thus had two women-Lady Law and Lady Church-in or around their cathedrals. On the south transept portal of the Strasbourg Cathedral lady "Church" stands tall and looks out confidently, carrying a staff topped by a cross and holding a chalice representing Christ’s blood. Lady "Synagogue" stands opposite, head bowed and blindfolded, signifying moral ignorance. Variations on this theme includes for Lady Synagogue images of a crown falling from her head or of her dropping the stone tablets of law. [1]

A BETTER WAY - A better way to get at this text might be to think theologically in terms of what fades and what remains, what is important from what is indifferent. Maybe we could also see in this text-and through Paul’s view-simply that God is not finished with us yet. We are all of us works in progress. Certainly a semblance of this idea is contained in Paul’s remarks of moving through Christ from one degree of glory to another. The Christian life is one marked by growth and change.

JOHN CHRYSOSTOM [4^{TH C] - What is said [about the veil being taken away]is not an accusation of the law, nor does it reflect on Moses, who veiled himself, but only on the narrow Jewish legalists. For the law has its proper glory, but they were unable to see it. [2]}

What about Paul’s phrase, "the god of this world?" There are lesser gods out there to whom we can give our allegiance-issues, people, a driven pursuit of happiness, causes, jobs, relationships, etc.-that, if indulged, hold sway over our lives. Whatever is at the center of our lives, whatever governs our thoughts and actions-that is god. Whenever our desire for something or one looms out of proportion and consumes us-even excellent things-we are staring the god of this world in the face. Name what would be the closest competitor to "god" vis-à-vis God in your life . . . in your church.

For a sermon on this passage, please refer to the DPS homily for this week.

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[1] Mentioned in New Interpreter’s Bible, volume XI (Nashville: Abingdon Press, 2000), p. 78.
[2]Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture VI (InterVarsity Press, 1999), page 222.