“Then the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom.” (Mark 15:38)

“Then the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom.” (Mark 15:38)

At the very moment our Lord gave up His life upon the cross, the veil which separated the Holy of Holies from the rest of the Temple was torn in two, from top to bottom.

When Solomon built the Temple, it was 30 cubits in height. Herod later increased this to 40 cubits, and although there is some uncertainty as to the exact measurement of a cubit, it is safe to say that it was at least 60 feel high. Therefore, this veil had to be about the same length. It was also very thick – about 4 inches or more – fashioned from blue, purple, and scarlet material and fine twisted linen. 

Given the fact that the gospels record this veil being torn from “top to bottom,” and with it being so thick and long, precludes any human involvement in this event. This rending of the veil was done by the hand of God alone with the intent to sever the separation between God and man forever.

Fr. John