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Question Corner

Natural phenomena at death of Christ

Wednesday, July 22, 2020Faith

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Mark's Gospel, the first to be written (around A.D. 70), notes the phenomena you mention (15:33-38): "At noon, darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon. . . The veil of the sanctuary was torn in two from top to bottom."

Father Kenneth
Doyle

Q. At the precise time that Jesus died, the sanctuary curtain was torn in half, darkness and earthquakes occurred and many were converted to Christianity because they felt this was proof that Jesus was the Son of God. So why didn't the Jewish faith gradually disappear? (South Glens Falls, New York)

A. Mark's Gospel, the first to be written (around A.D. 70), notes the phenomena you mention (15:33-38): "At noon, darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon. . . The veil of the sanctuary was torn in two from top to bottom."

Similar references occur in the other synoptic writers, Matthew and Luke. Some contemporary scriptural commentators view such passages as an imaginative portrayal by the Gospel writers, intended to highlight the vital importance of Christ's death.

But even if one accepts these descriptions literally, it shouldn't surprise us that everyone did not immediately accept the truth of Christianity. The events detailed could have been viewed as natural phenomena without any particular theological significance.

Q. I am a wandering Catholic. I identify as a Roman Catholic, although I have not been to a church service in quite a while. I have made excuses to myself and to Our Lord as to why that is. I have started reading the Bible and would like to know if the King James Version is accepted by the Church. (I have been trying to get to church, as it brings me peace. My reasons for not attending are varied, mostly health related.) (Onley, Virginia)

A. First, about the Bible. The King James translation was completed in 1611 and is written in a lofty literary style. Like Catholic versions, its New Testament section includes 27 books. But in the King James version (as well as in other Protestant editions), the Old Testament has only 39 books while Catholic versions have 46 books.

The seven additional books in Catholic editions are: Tobit, Judith, First and Second Maccabees, Wisdom, Sirach and Baruch. (In addition, Catholic Bibles also include some sections of Esther and Daniel that are not found in Protestant Bibles.) These additional books are considered by the Catholic Church as inspired by the Holy Spirit.

Having said that, the Catholic Church does not forbid anyone from reading any version of the Bible. I am happy that you have begun to read the King James Bible and believe that you will find inspiration in doing so.

At some point, though, you might want to obtain a version called the New American Bible. Last revised in 2011, this is the version used for the scriptural readings at Catholic Masses.

Now, about your being a "wandering Catholic." I hope that when your health permits, you will decide to return regularly to Mass. I believe that this is the way to be most faithful to Jesus and the surest help for living his way.

Jesus told us at the Last Supper that he wanted his followers to come together regularly to celebrate their faith, to recall his life and teachings and to be nourished with his body and blood.

It may be that legitimate health concerns make it unwise right now for you to go to church, especially during the current pandemic. If that is the case, would you consider calling your parish priest and asking to be placed on the Communion list for home visitation?

That way, you will be able to have your confession heard and to feel the peace and the strength of Jesus in the Eucharist.

- Father Kenneth Doyle is a columnist for Catholic News Service