MATTHEW 27:45-56
THE DEATH OF JESUS
INTRODUCTION
Matthew 27:45–56 presents the climactic moment of salvation—the death of Jesus Christ on the Cross. After enduring hours of agony, mockery, and rejection, the Savior enters into the deepest mystery of human suffering and divine love. The darkness that covers the land signifies more than a physical eclipse; it represents the weight of sin and the sorrow of creation as the Creator suffers for His creatures. In this scene, the veil between heaven and earth grows thin: nature trembles, hearts are tested, and the Son of God fulfills His mission through a cry of abandonment and surrender. The narrative moves from human cruelty to divine revelation, as the crucifixion, once a symbol of disgrace, becomes the altar of the world’s redemption.
This passage not only recounts the historical moment of Jesus’ death but unveils its eternal meaning. The signs accompanying His death—the darkness, the tearing of the temple veil, the earthquake, and the confession of the centurion—demonstrate that this is no ordinary execution but the decisive act of divine mercy. In His final breath, Christ completes the new covenant, opening access to God for all humanity. At the Cross, Mary and the faithful women remain steadfast, representing the Church that stands at the heart of suffering yet holds firm in faith. Matthew’s account invites believers to contemplate the mystery of redemption: that in Christ’s death, the power of sin is broken and the door of eternal life is opened.
Matthew 27:45 “From noon onward, darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon.”
As Jesus hung upon the Cross, a deep darkness enveloped the land for three hours. This mysterious event, occurring at the brightest part of the day, was not a natural eclipse but a divine sign of mourning and judgment. Nature itself seemed to grieve the suffering of its Creator. The sun’s light failed, symbolizing how sin had obscured the light of the world. In this solemn darkness, the universe testified to the gravity of the moment when the Savior bore the sins of humanity.
Historical and Jewish Context
In Jewish tradition, darkness often symbolized divine judgment and mourning. The plague of darkness in Egypt (Exodus 10:21–23) foreshadowed God’s act of deliverance through suffering. Similarly, the prophet Amos foretold, “I will make the sun go down at noon, and darken the earth in broad daylight” (Amos 8:9), pointing to the moment when justice and mercy would meet at Calvary. For the Jews, the hours from noon to three were the time of the evening sacrifice in the Temple, making this darkness profoundly significant—the true Lamb of God was being offered as the perfect sacrifice for sin.
Catholic Theological Perspective
The Fathers of the Church saw this darkness as creation’s response to the death of its Maker. St. John Chrysostom interpreted it as the earth’s lamentation, while St. Jerome said even the sun hid its face in sorrow. Theologically, this darkness symbolizes the mystery of redemption: humanity’s sin had reached its peak, and yet divine love was triumphing through the suffering of Christ. The Catechism (CCC 601–603) teaches that Jesus’ death was part of the eternal plan of salvation—He bore the full weight of human sin, transforming the darkest hour into the dawn of grace.
Parallels in Scripture
Key Terms
Catholic Liturgical Significance
On Good Friday, the Church recalls these three hours as the holiest of times, commemorating Christ’s agony and death. The “Three Hours’ Agony” devotion invites the faithful to meditate on Jesus’ final words and unite their hearts with His sacrifice. The darkness over the earth is remembered in the solemn silence and dimmed lights of the liturgy, calling believers to repentance and awe before the mystery of salvation.
Conclusion
The darkness that covered the land was not merely physical—it was a visible manifestation of sin, grief, and divine sorrow. Yet, within this shadow, the greatest act of love was taking place. The world mourned even as redemption was being won. Through the cross, light would soon return, radiant and eternal, on Easter morning.
Reflection
When life feels dark and God seems distant, we can recall the Cross—where Jesus entered our darkness and transformed it into hope. The silence and stillness of those three hours teach us to trust in God’s hidden work, even when His light seems gone.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, Light of the world, You entered the darkness of sin and death to bring us everlasting light. When our hearts are troubled or shadowed by suffering, remind us that You are near. Fill us with faith to see beyond the darkness and live in the hope of Your Resurrection. Amen.
Matthew 27:46 “And about three o’clock Jesus cried out in a loud voice, ‘Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?’ which means, ‘My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?’”
As the darkness lingered over Calvary, Jesus uttered this profound cry from the Cross. His words, drawn from Psalm 22:1, expressed the depth of His suffering and the mysterious sense of abandonment He experienced as He bore the sins of the world. It was not a cry of despair, but of genuine anguish and prayer—a cry that united His human pain with divine trust. In this moment, Jesus entered fully into the loneliness of sinners so that no one would ever be truly forsaken again.
Historical and Jewish Context
Psalm 22, which begins with these very words, was well known to Jews as a psalm of suffering that turns into praise and victory. By invoking it, Jesus identified Himself with the righteous sufferer of the psalm who trusts God despite apparent abandonment. His words were spoken in Aramaic, the common language of the people, and they echoed throughout the darkened hill of Golgotha. The expression “My God, my God” shows that even in His agony, Jesus maintained His relationship with the Father.
Catholic Theological Perspective
The Church teaches that Jesus truly experienced the desolation of separation caused by sin—not because He was separated from the Father, but because He entered into the depths of human suffering and alienation (CCC 603). St. John Paul II described this as “the deepest point of the Incarnation,” where the Son of God fully shares humanity’s anguish. This cry also reveals the mystery of divine love: the eternal Word submitting to silence and pain to redeem those who turned away.
Parallels in Scripture
Key Terms
Catholic Liturgical Significance
This cry is remembered during the Good Friday liturgy, especially in the reading of the Passion. It invites the faithful to meditate on the cost of redemption and to recognize in Jesus’ suffering the fullness of divine compassion. Psalm 22 is also used in the Liturgy of the Hours, reminding believers that lament can coexist with trust and that pain can become a prayer.
Conclusion
Jesus’ cry from the Cross unveils both the depth of His humanity and the perfection of His obedience. He embraced our desolation so that we might never be abandoned by God. What sounded like despair was, in truth, a proclamation of faith—the beginning of victory through suffering.
Reflection
When we feel forgotten or overwhelmed, we can remember that Jesus has already entered that loneliness. His cry assures us that God is present even when He seems silent. Our darkest prayers can become moments of deep communion with Christ crucified.
Prayer
My Savior and Redeemer, when You cried out in anguish, You gave voice to all who suffer in silence. Help me to trust in Your presence when I feel abandoned and to remember that You turned sorrow into salvation. Strengthen my faith that I may always cling to You in darkness and in light. Amen.
Matthew 27:47 “Some of the bystanders who heard it said, ‘This one is calling for Elijah.’”
When Jesus cried out “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani,” many standing nearby misunderstood His words. Hearing “Eli,” they thought He was calling upon the prophet Elijah, who, according to Jewish belief, was expected to return before the Messiah’s coming. This confusion reveals both the spiritual blindness of the crowd and the irony of the moment—they were witnessing the fulfillment of all prophecy, yet they did not recognize the One foretold.
Historical and Jewish Context
In Jewish tradition, Elijah was seen as the herald of the Messiah, based on Malachi 4:5: “I will send you Elijah the prophet before the great and terrible day of the Lord.” Many Jews believed that Elijah could appear miraculously to rescue the righteous in distress. Thus, when Jesus cried out in agony, some spectators mockingly or curiously assumed He was appealing to Elijah for help. Their misunderstanding highlights how the people failed to grasp that Jesus Himself was the fulfillment of what Elijah’s coming had foreshadowed.
Catholic Theological Perspective
From a Catholic standpoint, this verse reflects humanity’s persistent inability to perceive God’s revelation when it does not meet worldly expectations. The people awaited a triumphant Messiah who would be delivered from suffering, but Jesus revealed a suffering Messiah who redeems through the Cross. The Church Fathers, such as St. Jerome, saw in this misunderstanding a symbol of hardened hearts. The Catechism (CCC 440) reminds us that the true kingship of Christ is revealed precisely in His humiliation and suffering, not in earthly deliverance.
Parallels in Scripture
Key Terms
Catholic Liturgical Significance
This verse is proclaimed in the Passion narrative on Good Friday, reminding the faithful how easily humanity can misunderstand divine truth. It calls us to listen attentively to God’s Word and discern its spiritual meaning, not merely its outward sound. The Church’s veneration of Elijah as a great prophet also points to Christ as the final and perfect revelation of God’s covenant promises.
Conclusion
The bystanders’ confusion illustrates the tragedy of spiritual deafness at the foot of the Cross. While they waited for Elijah, the true Redeemer stood before them, offering salvation. Their misinterpretation symbolizes the world’s failure to comprehend divine love when it is revealed through suffering.
Reflection
In our own lives, we too can mishear God’s voice when it does not align with our expectations. Let us open our hearts to recognize His presence in moments of pain, silence, and surrender.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, forgive us when we fail to recognize Your voice in the noise of the world. Grant us ears to hear Your call and hearts to understand Your saving love revealed through the Cross. Amen.
Matthew 27:48 “Immediately one of them ran to get a sponge; he soaked it in wine, and putting it on a reed, gave it to him to drink.”
As Jesus cried out in agony, one bystander showed a moment of response—perhaps pity or curiosity—by offering Him a drink. The wine mixed with sour vinegar was a common refreshment for Roman soldiers and laborers. Though this act might seem merciful, it fulfilled Scripture and symbolized humanity’s limited attempt to ease the Savior’s suffering. The Lord, who had once turned water into wine for joy at Cana, now tasted the bitterness of human rejection.
Historical and Jewish Context
In Roman crucifixions, soldiers kept a mixture of sour wine or vinegar (Greek: oxos) to quench thirst. It was cheap and readily available. The Gospels distinguish between two drinks: one offered before crucifixion mixed with gall or myrrh to dull pain (Matthew 27:34), which Jesus refused, and this second one offered in His final moments. Psalm 69:21 foretold this very scene: “For my thirst they gave me vinegar to drink.” The reed (probably a hyssop branch) used to lift the sponge symbolically connects with the Passover—hyssop was used to sprinkle the lamb’s blood on doorposts (Exodus 12:22).
Catholic Theological Perspective
The Church Fathers interpreted this act as both a gesture of human sympathy and a fulfillment of prophecy. St. Augustine saw in it the world’s offering of its own bitterness to the Redeemer who had come to offer sweetness and salvation. Theologically, this moment reveals the depth of Christ’s identification with human suffering—He who thirsted for souls received sour wine instead. In His thirst (John 19:28), Jesus expressed both physical agony and divine longing for humanity’s salvation.
Parallels in Scripture
Key Terms
Catholic Liturgical Significance
In the Good Friday liturgy, this verse is recalled as part of Christ’s final moments. It is linked to His words, “I thirst,” a phrase that resonates spiritually in the Church’s mission. Saints like Mother Teresa often reflected that Jesus’ thirst continues through His longing for love and souls. This verse reminds believers to respond not with vinegar but with compassion, faith, and reparation.
Conclusion
This simple act at the Cross fulfilled ancient prophecy and revealed the contrast between human limitation and divine mercy. Jesus accepted even the world’s bitterness, transforming it into the sweetness of redemption. In His thirst, He desired our salvation more than relief from pain.
Reflection
When Christ thirsts today—in the poor, the suffering, and the forgotten—how do we respond? Do we offer bitterness or love? Let us quench His thirst through acts of mercy and devotion.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, You accepted the world’s bitterness to bring us the sweetness of salvation. When You thirsted for love, humanity offered vinegar. Teach us to console You by serving others with compassion and faith. May our love be the drink that refreshes Your heart. Amen.
Matthew 27:49 “But the rest said, ‘Wait, let us see if Elijah comes to save him.’”
As one bystander offered Jesus sour wine, others responded with mockery and curiosity, saying, “Wait, let us see if Elijah comes to save him.” Their words reveal not compassion but scorn. They misunderstood Jesus’ cry, “Eli, Eli,” as a call for Elijah, and instead of showing reverence or sympathy, they turned His agony into a spectacle. Even in His final moments, the crowd remained blind to the truth—that salvation itself was unfolding before their eyes.
Historical and Jewish Context
Among the Jews, Elijah was regarded as a prophet who would return before the coming of the Messiah (Malachi 4:5–6). He was believed to intervene miraculously in times of distress, especially for the righteous. Hence, when Jesus cried “Eli,” the crowd thought He was summoning Elijah for rescue. Their waiting to “see if Elijah comes” was both mocking and superstitious. Instead of recognizing Jesus as the fulfillment of all prophecy, they treated the Crucifixion as a test of divine power. Their words reflected a failure to understand that Jesus, not Elijah, was the awaited Redeemer who had come to save them through suffering, not by escape from it.
Catholic Theological Perspective
The Church interprets this moment as the ultimate expression of human misunderstanding of divine love. The mockers stood before the very act of redemption yet sought a miraculous sign. St. John Chrysostom saw in their words the blindness of unbelief: “They waited for Elijah but saw not that the Lord of Elijah hung before them.” Catholic theology teaches that the Cross reveals a salvation that defies human logic—Christ’s victory is achieved not through avoidance of suffering, but by embracing it in obedience and love (CCC 272–274). Their mockery thus contrasts sharply with the silent faith of Mary and the faithful few at the foot of the Cross.
Parallels in Scripture
Key Terms
Catholic Liturgical Significance
This verse is read in the Passion narrative during Holy Week, reminding the faithful of the contrast between mockery and faith. The Church invites believers to stand with those who recognize Christ’s divinity in His suffering, not with those who mock Him. It also teaches that true faith is not built on demand for signs but on trust in the mystery of the Cross.
Conclusion
The crowd’s mockery exposed their blindness to the truth of salvation. They looked for a prophet to intervene, yet the Lord of prophets was offering Himself for their redemption. What they viewed as weakness was, in truth, the greatest act of divine power—love that saves by sacrifice.
Reflection
When we demand visible signs from God, we risk missing His presence in the quiet and the broken. Faith means trusting that even when God seems silent, He is working for our salvation, just as He was at Calvary.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, forgive the blindness of those who mocked You, and forgive us when we fail to recognize Your saving work in our lives. Grant us the grace to trust in Your love, even when You seem silent, and to see in Your Cross the true sign of hope and victory. Amen.
Matthew 27:50 “But Jesus cried out again in a loud voice, and gave up his spirit.”
At this sacred moment, the suffering of Christ reached its climax. After enduring rejection, agony, and darkness, Jesus cried out one final time—a cry not of defeat, but of completion. His loud voice signified strength and authority even in death, showing that He freely laid down His life (John 10:18). With that cry, the Savior who had come to redeem humanity surrendered His spirit into the Father’s hands, accomplishing the mission for which He was sent.
Historical and Jewish Context
Crucifixion victims usually died slowly and silently from exhaustion, yet Jesus’ final cry astonished the bystanders and soldiers because it showed He still possessed strength at the moment of death. His death occurred at about three o’clock in the afternoon—the time of the evening sacrifice in the Temple—signifying that the true Paschal Lamb had been offered for the sins of the world. The phrase “gave up his spirit” indicates a deliberate and voluntary act. In Jewish understanding, life was the breath or spirit (ruach) given by God (Genesis 2:7), and in surrendering it, Jesus revealed His full obedience and divine authority.
Catholic Theological Perspective
Catholic theology affirms that Jesus’ death was both a historical and redemptive act. The Catechism (CCC 607, 613–614) teaches that His self-offering was a free and loving sacrifice to the Father for our salvation. His final cry corresponds to His words in John 19:30—“It is finished”—signifying the fulfillment of prophecy and the completion of His redemptive work. St. Leo the Great wrote, “The earth trembled when Christ died because all creation knew that the Author of life had suffered.” His death was not passive resignation but a victorious surrender that opened the way to resurrection.
Parallels in Scripture
Key Terms
Catholic Liturgical Significance
At this verse, during the Good Friday Passion reading, the congregation kneels in silence to honor the death of the Lord. It is a moment of profound reverence, marking the completion of His earthly mission. The Church also commemorates this hour with the “Three O’Clock Hour of Mercy,” recalling the moment when Christ opened heaven through His sacrifice. Devotions such as the Divine Mercy Chaplet draw directly from this moment of redemption.
Conclusion
The final breath of Jesus on the Cross was not an end but a beginning—the completion of the old covenant and the birth of the new. His death tore down the barrier between God and humanity, transforming suffering into salvation. What appeared as defeat was the triumph of divine love over sin and death.
Reflection
Jesus did not die as a victim of circumstance but as a willing Redeemer. In surrendering His spirit, He teaches us how to offer our lives in trust to the Father. Every moment of faith, every act of forgiveness, and every cross we bear can become a sharing in His sacrifice.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, You gave Your life freely for our salvation. Teach us to surrender our will to the Father as You did on the Cross. May Your final breath fill our hearts with courage, peace, and gratitude, and may we live each day as a gift offered back to You. Amen.
Matthew 27:51 “And behold, the veil of the sanctuary was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth quaked, rocks were split.”
At the very moment Jesus surrendered His spirit, the earth responded with awe and trembling. The tearing of the Temple veil and the shaking of the earth were divine signs that the death of Christ had cosmic and spiritual consequences. What had been hidden was now revealed; what had been divided was now united. Through His death, Jesus opened the way for all humanity to enter into the presence of God.
Historical and Jewish Context
The veil of the Temple was a massive curtain that separated the Holy of Holies—the dwelling place of God—from the rest of the sanctuary. Only the high priest could pass through it once a year on the Day of Atonement (Leviticus 16:2, 29–34). The tearing of this veil from top to bottom signified that God Himself had removed the separation between Himself and His people. The accompanying earthquake and splitting of rocks echoed divine manifestations throughout Scripture (Exodus 19:18; Zechariah 14:4), indicating that the old covenant was passing away and the new covenant sealed in Christ’s blood had begun.
Catholic Theological Perspective
The Church teaches that this moment reveals the full meaning of redemption: through Christ’s death, access to the Father is restored. The Letter to the Hebrews interprets the veil as Christ’s flesh—when it was torn in death, the way into God’s presence was opened (Hebrews 10:19–20). The rending of the veil thus symbolizes the end of temple sacrifices and the beginning of direct communion with God through Jesus. The trembling earth and split rocks remind us that even creation recognized the power of the Cross. As St. John Chrysostom said, “The earth trembled to bear its Lord slain.”
Parallels in Scripture
Key Terms
Catholic Liturgical Significance
In the Good Friday liturgy, this moment is remembered as the unveiling of God’s mercy. The sanctuary lamp is extinguished, the altar is bare, and silence fills the church, representing the awe of creation at the death of the Savior. The tearing of the veil prefigures the Eucharist, through which believers now approach the living God directly, no longer through animal sacrifice but through the one eternal offering of Christ.
Conclusion
The tearing of the Temple veil and the trembling of the earth testify that Christ’s death transformed all reality. The old order of ritual separation gave way to the new order of grace and reconciliation. Heaven and earth were united; humanity’s exile was ended. The Cross became the new Holy of Holies where God and man meet forever.
Reflection
Through the torn veil, God invites us to draw near with faith and humility. Every time we enter into prayer or receive the Eucharist, we step into that sacred space once closed to all. The Cross is now the open doorway of mercy.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, when You died, the veil was torn and heaven was opened for us. Let Your sacrifice always remind us that nothing can separate us from the love of God. Shake the hardness of our hearts as the earth trembled that day, and let Your grace make us new. Amen.
Matthew 27:52 “Tombs were opened, and the bodies of many saints who had fallen asleep were raised.”
At the moment of Jesus’ death, an extraordinary sign occurred—graves opened, and many holy ones who had died were brought back to life. This powerful event revealed that the death of Christ was not defeat but victory over death itself. The Cross became the instrument of resurrection, and even the tombs could not remain sealed before the Redeemer who came to give life to the dead.
Historical and Jewish Context
In Jewish thought, death was often seen as a place of waiting, called Sheol, where the souls of the righteous awaited deliverance (Wisdom 3:1–5; Daniel 12:2). The resurrection of these saints was a visible confirmation that the messianic age—the time of redemption—had begun. It fulfilled prophecies such as Ezekiel 37, where God promised to open graves and bring His people back to life. The opened tombs at Calvary thus symbolized the power of God breaking into history, announcing that death’s dominion was overthrown through Christ’s sacrifice.
Catholic Theological Perspective
The Church interprets this verse as a foretaste of the general resurrection that will occur at the end of time. The saints who rose from their graves bore witness to Christ’s triumph over sin and death. St. Jerome and St. Cyril of Jerusalem saw in them a testimony to the salvation of both the living and the dead. The Catechism (CCC 635) proclaims that Jesus, through His death, descended to the realm of the dead to free the just who had gone before Him. Thus, this miraculous event prefigures the resurrection and eternal life promised to all who believe in Him.
Parallels in Scripture
Key Terms
Catholic Liturgical Significance
This verse is recalled in the solemn readings of Holy Saturday and Easter Vigil, where the Church celebrates Christ’s descent to the dead and the dawn of resurrection. It prefigures the joy of Easter morning when Christ, the firstborn from the dead, opens the gates of eternal life. The resurrection of these saints reminds the faithful that Christ’s victory over death extends to all who die in God’s grace.
Conclusion
The opening of the tombs and the resurrection of the saints reveal that the Cross was not an end but the beginning of a new creation. As Jesus’ body hung lifeless, His death already unleashed life upon the world. The graves could not resist His saving power, and through His sacrifice, even death became a passage to glory.
Reflection
Christ’s victory over death is not a distant promise—it begins even now in those who live by faith. Each act of grace, forgiveness, and love is a small resurrection of the soul. When we unite our sufferings to the Cross, we too rise with Him.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, through Your death, You conquered the grave and gave life to the saints who slept in hope. Open the tombs of our hearts, free us from the fear of death, and fill us with the joy of resurrection. May we live as witnesses to Your victory until the day we share fully in Your risen glory. Amen.
Matthew 27:53 “And coming forth from their tombs after his resurrection, they entered the holy city and appeared to many.”
This verse completes the miraculous sign that began at Jesus’ death. The saints who were raised from their tombs did not appear immediately, but only after Christ’s resurrection—showing that His triumph over death was the cause and source of theirs. By entering the holy city, Jerusalem, they became living witnesses of God’s power, confirming that through Jesus, life had conquered death. Their appearance strengthened the faith of many who saw the signs of salvation already unfolding.
Historical and Jewish Context
In Jewish belief, Jerusalem was considered the dwelling place of God and the center of His covenant with His people. For the risen saints to enter this “holy city” symbolized that the era of redemption had arrived. The prophets often spoke of Jerusalem as the place where God’s glory would be revealed (Isaiah 2:2–3, Zechariah 8:3). The fact that these holy ones appeared there signified the restoration of God’s people and the beginning of a new covenant sealed by Christ’s blood. The detail that they appeared “after His resurrection” emphasizes that Jesus is “the firstborn from the dead” (Colossians 1:18), the one through whom all others rise.
Catholic Theological Perspective
The Church Fathers understood this verse as a testimony to the power of Christ’s resurrection. St. Jerome interpreted these saints as symbols of the righteous of the Old Covenant, who were freed from the realm of the dead when Christ descended to Hades. Their appearance in the city was a visible sign of salvation extended to all generations. The Catechism (CCC 635) teaches that when Christ descended among the dead, He brought the light of life to those who awaited Him, proclaiming victory over sin and death. Their resurrection was not permanent immortality but a miraculous witness to Christ’s triumph.
Parallels in Scripture
Key Terms
Catholic Liturgical Significance
During the Easter Vigil, the Church celebrates the fullness of this truth—the Resurrection of Christ as the dawn of eternal life. This verse is reflected in the joy of the Exsultet hymn: “The night shall be as bright as day.” It reminds the faithful that Christ’s resurrection brings renewal not only to the individual soul but to the entire communion of saints. Every resurrection story, from these saints to our own spiritual renewal, is participation in His victory.
Conclusion
The resurrection of these saints and their entrance into Jerusalem serve as a divine proclamation that death has been conquered. Their appearance symbolizes the joining of heaven and earth, the living and the dead, through Christ’s redeeming work. What began with the tearing of the Temple veil now culminates in the unveiling of eternal life.
Reflection
The saints’ rising is a reminder that the power of the Resurrection is not confined to history—it continues to raise hearts, families, and communities today. Christ’s victory is shared with all who belong to Him. Through faith and grace, we too are called to “enter the holy city” of God’s presence.
Prayer
Risen Lord, You are the first and the last, the One who lives and was dead but is alive forever. As You brought the saints to life and let them walk among the living, bring us too from sin to grace, from darkness to light. May we live as witnesses of Your Resurrection and one day enter the heavenly city with all Your saints. Amen.
Matthew 27:54 “The centurion and the men with him who were keeping watch over Jesus feared greatly when they saw the earthquake and all that was happening, and they said, ‘Truly, this was the Son of God!’”
At the foot of the Cross, hardened Roman soldiers who had mocked and crucified Jesus suddenly trembled with awe. The earth had shaken, the sky had darkened, and the veil of the Temple had torn—all signs that this was no ordinary death. Overcome by fear and wonder, the centurion—the officer in charge of the execution—made a confession of faith: “Truly, this was the Son of God!” Thus, even at Calvary, faith began to blossom in the heart of a Gentile, marking the beginning of the universal reach of Christ’s redemption.
Historical and Jewish Context
Roman centurions were professional soldiers responsible for maintaining order during executions. The centurion here had witnessed many crucifixions, but none like this. The cosmic signs—the earthquake, darkness, and supernatural calm after Jesus’ final breath—moved him to an act of recognition. For a Gentile to declare Jesus “Son of God” was extraordinary, as this title was used in the Roman world to describe the emperor, believed to be divinely favored. In Jewish understanding, “Son of God” identified one uniquely united with God’s will. Thus, the centurion’s declaration, though perhaps incomplete in theology, was profound in faith—it was the first public acknowledgment of Christ’s divine identity following His death.
Catholic Theological Perspective
The Church sees in this confession the first fruits of conversion among the nations. St. John Chrysostom wrote, “While the Jews denied, the Gentiles confessed.” The centurion’s words prefigure the faith of the Church spreading to all peoples after Pentecost. The Catechism (CCC 643–644) affirms that such early confessions reveal the Holy Spirit at work even before the Resurrection appearances. This moment shows that grace can enter even the hearts of those complicit in sin when they encounter divine truth. The centurion stands as a symbol of every sinner who, faced with the reality of Christ’s sacrifice, turns in repentance and faith.
Parallels in Scripture
Key Terms
Catholic Liturgical Significance
In the Good Friday liturgy, this confession is proclaimed as part of the Passion narrative, inviting believers to echo the centurion’s words in faith. The Church venerates the Cross as the moment when the world first recognized its Redeemer. Every Mass repeats this mystery as we proclaim, “Through Him, with Him, and in Him,” acknowledging Christ as the Son of God whose sacrifice redeems all nations.
Conclusion
The centurion’s confession marks the turning point from darkness to light, from disbelief to faith. While many of Jesus’ own people doubted, a Roman soldier recognized divinity in suffering. The Cross, once a symbol of shame, became the throne of truth where faith was born in an unlikely heart.
Reflection
Like the centurion, we too stand before the Cross—sometimes blind, sometimes afraid. Yet grace can open our eyes to see the Son of God in every suffering, in every Eucharist, and in every act of love. Faith begins when we gaze upon the Crucified and say with conviction, “Truly, this was the Son of God.”
Prayer
Lord Jesus, open our hearts like the centurion’s recognizing Your divinity in the midst of suffering. May we stand before Your Cross in awe and gratitude, proclaiming You as the Son of God who died for our salvation. Strengthen our faith to live courageously as witnesses of Your love. Amen.
Matthew 27:55 “There were many women there, looking on from a distance, who had followed Jesus from Galilee, ministering to him.”
As Jesus breathed His last and the crowd stood stunned, the Gospel turns our attention to the faithful women who remained near the Cross. While most of the disciples had fled in fear, these women stayed, silently witnessing His suffering. They had followed Him from Galilee, serving with love and devotion throughout His ministry. Their presence at Calvary reflects steadfast faith, quiet courage, and the strength of compassionate service that endured even in the face of the world’s greatest sorrow.
Historical and Jewish Context
In Jewish society, women generally had limited public roles, yet they often supported teachers and prophets by providing hospitality and care. These women—likely including Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James and Joseph, and the mother of the sons of Zebedee—had accompanied Jesus throughout His mission (Luke 8:2–3). Their following Him “from Galilee” emphasizes their loyalty from the early days of His ministry until the end. Standing “at a distance” was common for women during executions, but it also symbolizes faith that endures even when understanding fails. Their presence fulfills Psalm 38:11: “My friends and companions stand aloof from my plague, and my nearest kin stand far off.”
Catholic Theological Perspective
The Church honors these women as models of discipleship. While the apostles faltered, they remained faithful. St. John Chrysostom praised their steadfastness, saying that “love made them braver than men.” The Catechism (CCC 601–605) teaches that Christ’s sacrifice was for all humanity, and the faith of these women shows that the heart of the Church—loving, serving, and enduring—was present at the Cross. Their ministry (diakonia) to Jesus prefigures the service of the Church to Christ in the poor, the suffering, and the Eucharist. They remind believers that true discipleship is measured not by status or words, but by love that endures in trial.
Parallels in Scripture
Key Terms
Catholic Liturgical Significance
During Holy Week, the Church remembers these women as examples of faithfulness. Their presence at the Cross is commemorated in Good Friday processions and in the Stations of the Cross, especially in the image of the women of Jerusalem. In Mary and these followers, the Church sees the image of fidelity that remains with Christ even in death. Their ministry foreshadows the Church’s ongoing mission of service and witness to the Crucified Lord.
Conclusion
While the world mocked and the apostles fled, the women of Galilee stood firm in love. Their silent fidelity contrasts the denial and fear of others, showing that true discipleship is not about prominence but perseverance. They stayed with Jesus not for reward but out of love—a love that endured to the Cross and beyond to the empty tomb.
Reflection
The faith of these women invites us to remain with Jesus when hope seems lost and to serve Him in the humble and hidden moments of life. Fidelity in suffering is the mark of true love.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank You for the faith and courage of the holy women who stood by You in Your Passion. Grant us hearts that remain faithful in trials, steadfast in service, and full of compassion for those who suffer. May we, like them, minister to You through love and perseverance. Amen.
Matthew 27:56 “Among them were Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of James and Joseph, and the mother of the sons of Zebedee.”
Here the Evangelist names three of the women who remained near the Cross—Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James and Joseph (also called “the other Mary”), and the mother of the sons of Zebedee (Salome). These names are significant because they identify the first faithful witnesses of the Passion who would later become the first to see the Risen Lord. While the world turned away and the disciples hid in fear, these women stood steadfast in sorrow, love, and courage, proving that devotion endures when human strength fails.
Historical and Jewish Context
Mary Magdalene was from Magdala, a town near the Sea of Galilee. Delivered by Jesus from seven demons (Luke 8:2), she became one of His most devoted followers and would later be the first to encounter the risen Christ (John 20:16–18). “Mary, the mother of James and Joseph,” was likely the wife of Clopas, related to Mary, the Mother of Jesus (John 19:25). The “mother of the sons of Zebedee,” known as Salome, was the mother of James and John, who once sought places of honor in Jesus’ kingdom (Matthew 20:20–23); now she witnesses the true glory of that kingdom revealed through the Cross. Their presence fulfills the prophecy of Psalm 31:23: “Love the Lord, all you his faithful ones! The Lord protects the loyal.”
Catholic Theological Perspective
In the Catholic understanding, these women represent the faith of the Church in its earliest and purest form. St. Gregory the Great called Mary Magdalene the “Apostle to the Apostles,” because she was the first messenger of the Resurrection. Their fidelity contrasts the betrayal of Judas and the flight of most apostles, showing that love rooted in conversion and humility is stronger than fear. The Catechism (CCC 641–642) emphasizes that women were the first to encounter the Risen Lord, confirming their special role as witnesses of divine grace. Their steadfastness at the Cross and their faith at the tomb illustrate the constancy of discipleship that the Church is called to imitate.
Parallels in Scripture
Key Terms
Catholic Liturgical Significance
The Church honors these women, especially Mary Magdalene, with individual feast days (July 22 for St. Mary Magdalene). Their example is recalled in the Passion readings of Holy Week and the Easter Vigil, where they appear as the first heralds of the Resurrection. They embody the faith, hope, and love that sustain the Church even in the darkest moments of history.
Conclusion
Matthew 27:56 closes the account of the Crucifixion with a quiet yet profound testimony: when the powers of the world thought they had silenced Jesus, His most humble followers stood firm. These women—courageous, faithful, and prayerful—represent the heart of discipleship that does not abandon Christ in suffering but follows Him all the way to glory.
Reflection
True love for Christ is tested not in triumph but in trial. Like these women, we are called to stand by the Cross, to remain faithful when others fall away, and to proclaim hope even in sorrow. Their steadfast presence invites us to love Jesus with perseverance, humility, and unwavering trust.
Prayer
Loving Lord, we thank You for the holy women who remained at Your Cross when others fled. Strengthen our faith to be loyal and loving in every trial. Grant us the courage to stand with You in suffering and to rejoice with You in resurrection. May their example inspire us to serve You faithfully until we behold You face to face. Amen.
CONCLUSION
The passage from Matthew 27:45–56 reveals the profound mystery of salvation unfolding at Calvary. From the unnatural darkness that veiled the land to the torn veil of the Temple, from the opened tombs to the confession of the centurion, every sign testified that the death of Jesus was no ordinary tragedy—it was the decisive act of divine love that reconciled heaven and earth. Creation itself mourned and trembled as its Creator gave up His spirit, yet through His sacrifice, the gates of death were shattered, and new life began. The faithful women who remained at the Cross stand as silent witnesses to this mystery, representing the Church that endures in love, service, and fidelity.
In these verses, Matthew presents both divine power and human response—the cosmos responds in awe, a pagan centurion confesses faith, and devoted women remain steadfast when others flee. Each element points to the truth that the Cross, once a symbol of shame, became the altar of redemption. In the shadow of suffering, God’s glory was revealed; in the silence of death, new life was born. The faithful disciple is called to gaze upon the Cross not as a defeat but as the greatest victory of love—an invitation to faith, repentance, and enduring trust in the Redeemer who transforms suffering into salvation.
PRAYER
Lord Jesus, as we contemplate Your death on the Cross, open our hearts to grasp the depth of Your love. Help us to remain faithful like the women who stood near You and to confess, like the centurion, that truly You are the Son of God. May the light of Your sacrifice guide us through every darkness and lead us to the joy of Your Resurrection. Amen.