MARK 15:33-41
THE DEATH OF JESUS
Text – Mark 15:33–41
33 At noon darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon.
34 And at three o’clock Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?” which is translated, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”
35 Some of the bystanders who heard it said, “Look, he is calling Elijah.”
36 One of them ran, soaked a sponge with wine, put it on a reed, and gave it to him to drink, saying, “Wait, let us see if Elijah comes to take him down.”
37 Jesus gave a loud cry and breathed his last.
38 The veil of the sanctuary was torn in two from top to bottom.
39 When the centurion who stood facing him saw how he breathed his last, he said, “Truly this man was the Son of God!”
40 There were also women looking on from a distance. Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of the younger James and of Joses, and Salome.
41 These women had followed him when he was in Galilee and ministered to him. There were also many other women who had come up with him to Jerusalem.
Historical and Jewish Context
From noon to three o’clock—traditionally the brightest part of the day—darkness covered the land, signifying both divine judgment and cosmic mourning. The phrase “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” comes from Psalm 22:1, a lament that ends in trust and victory, showing that even in His agony, Jesus prays with the words of Scripture. The misunderstanding of the bystanders, who thought He was calling Elijah, reflects a Jewish expectation that Elijah would return to assist the righteous. The tearing of the Temple veil—separating the Holy of Holies from the people—symbolizes the end of the old covenant and the opening of direct access to God through Christ’s sacrifice. The Roman centurion’s declaration, “Truly this man was the Son of God,” is a profound confession of faith from a Gentile, revealing that salvation is now extended to all nations. The women who witnessed His death represent the faithful discipleship that remained when others fled.
Catholic Theological Perspective
This passage marks the climax of salvation history. Jesus’ death fulfills the divine plan foretold by the prophets: the Lamb of God takes away the sins of the world. His cry of abandonment reveals the full depth of His human suffering, yet also His unbroken trust in the Father. Theologically, the tearing of the veil signifies that through Christ’s death, the separation between God and humanity caused by sin is removed. The Church sees in this moment the completion of the redemptive act—Christ’s self-offering on the Cross reconciles heaven and earth. His loud cry before death is not despair but a triumphant surrender: “Father, into Your hands I commend my spirit” (Luke 23:46). The centurion’s confession prefigures the Church’s faith and the conversion of the Gentiles. The presence of the women—especially Mary Magdalene—foreshadows their role as the first witnesses of the Resurrection.
Parallels in Scripture
Matthew 27:45–56 – Contains similar details, adding the earthquake and resurrection of the saints.
Luke 23:44–49 – Includes Jesus’ final words of trust to the Father.
John 19:28–30 – Adds “It is finished,” emphasizing the completion of His mission.
Psalm 22 – The prayer of the suffering servant fulfilled in Christ.
Hebrews 10:19–20 – “By the blood of Jesus we have confidence to enter the sanctuary.”
Key Terms
Darkness – Symbol of divine judgment, mourning, and the weight of sin borne by Christ.
Veil of the Temple – The barrier separating humanity from God, torn to signify reconciliation through Jesus.
Centurion – A Gentile soldier whose confession marks the universal reach of salvation.
Catholic Liturgical Significance
This passage is at the heart of the Good Friday liturgy, where the Passion is proclaimed and the faithful venerate the Cross. The Church meditates on the Seven Last Words of Christ, of which this cry from the Cross is one. The tearing of the veil is also symbolically echoed in the liturgy when the priest unveils the crucifix. The moment of Jesus’ death, observed at 3:00 p.m., is honored daily in the Divine Mercy devotion, the “Hour of Great Mercy.” The centurion’s confession is the model of faith proclaimed at every Mass: “Truly this man was the Son of God.”
Conclusion
In His death, Jesus transforms despair into redemption. The darkness of Calvary gives birth to the light of salvation. His cry of abandonment becomes the prayer of every soul that trusts God in suffering. The torn veil proclaims that God’s love is now fully revealed and accessible to all. From the cross flows forgiveness, grace, and the birth of the Church.
Reflection
Christ’s Passion teaches us that divine glory is hidden within human suffering. When we feel forsaken, His Cross assures us that God is nearest in our pain. Like the centurion, we are invited to gaze upon the crucified Lord and confess with faith: “Truly this man is the Son of God.”
Prayer
Lord Jesus, as You breathed Your last for our salvation, we adore Your infinite love. In our moments of darkness, remind us that Your Cross is the light that never fades. May Your death open our hearts to mercy, strengthen our faith, and unite us forever to You, who live and reign with the Father in glory. Amen.