After Jesus triumphant entry into Jerusalem, after the Last Supper, after his arrest, after being sentenced to death, in the very moment that he died on the cross, two significant things happen in Mark’s Gospel.  First, “the veil of the sanctuary was torn in two from top to bottom” (Mark 15:38”). What is this veil and what is its significance? The veil of the sanctuary separated the Holy of Holies from the rest of the temple.  The Holy of Holies was regarded as the closest approximation of God’s presence here on earth.  Out of respect no one was allowed to enter the Holy of Holies except for the high priest, and even he could only enter once a year, on the feast of Yom Kippur.  Now the veil was gone.  Perhaps now, after Jesus’ death, God’s presence is available to anyone at any time.  The second item of significance is the centurion exclaiming, “Truly this man was the Son of God” (Mark 15:39).  The centurion was not Jewish and not a follower of Jesus; he was a Roman military officer.  Yet he is the one present at the Crucifixion who confesses Jesus as the Son of God.  In Jesus’ death, in the culmination of the Passion we read today, barriers are removed.  God’s presence is no longer veiled and the Son of God is recognized by even a Roman official.

What barriers have been removed from your life?  What veils still need to be removed?

Gospel, Mark 11:1-10 (click to read)

To Listen to Father McGough's Homily, click the link below.