#veilofthetemple

[sowingseedsandshootinghoops]

The Significance of What Happen in the Temple the Moment Jesus Died

In the Temple of Jerusalem, the Ark of the Covenant was in a spot that was completely set apart from everything else. Not only was it in the room called “The Holiest of Holies”, but it was actually covered with a veil. The idea was that God, even though he is there in the Temple, is somehow separate from everything and everyone. In the earthquake that ensues the moment after Jesus’ death, the veil that covers the Ark of the Covenant gets ripped, which means that the barrier that once separated God from man is no longer there. That is why Mark, immediately after telling us about the veil being torn, tells us about the Centurion who is looking at Jesus and instantly realizes that he is the Son of God: “The veil of the Temple was torn in two from top to bottom [and] when the centurion who stood facing [Jesus], saw how he breathed his last, he said ‘Truly, this man was the Son of God’” (Mk 15:38-39). The veil of the Temple is torn, God has been revealed. Hallelujah.