Chapters 51 - 62 Summary and Analysis

When Christ died, the veil in the Jewish temple which separated the holiest place of the temple from the people was torn apart, revealing the Holy of Holies to all. This meant both that the Old Law, which was symbolized by the temple, was no longer in force, and also that the glory of Heaven, which had previously been closed off to mankind, was now open to all.

After his death, one of the Roman soldiers took his lance and pierced Christ's heart, out of which poured blood and water, symbolizing the sacraments of the Eucharist and Baptism and the forgiveness of sins which Christ offered. Christ's death had fulfilled the prophecy that, despite all of his sufferings, none of his bones would be broken, symbolizing the fact that the Church— "the Body of Christ"—would endure...