The story of Jesus' crucifixion is well-known: his last supper with his disciples, telling Judas to go and do what he had to do, praying in the garden while his friends slept, arrest by a horde of soldiers and security guards, disciples in hiding, examination and torture by Temple authorities who took him to Pilate for punishment, more torture and ridicule as "King of the Jews," the agonizing tramp to Golgotha with woman followers watching from a distance, and the humiliating, horrific execution.
Mark tells this story in three-hour segments. Between noon and 3 PM, the land is in darkness, and as Jesus gives his last cry, the curtain of the Temple is torn in two. (Mark 15:38.)
With all this going on, it would be easy to miss the significance of the destruction of the Temple veil, the curtain shutting off the Holy of Holies, God's special home, from the outside world. Only the high priest was allowed to enter this place, and only once a year. The ruined curtain symbolized not only the end of the priests' power, but - more important for us - the opening of direct access to the presence and love of God without intercession or mediation from someone standing between us and our God.
Jesus lived and died so we could take an active role in establishing God's kingdom on earth.

Lenten Devotions
April 2, 2021