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What is beyond the veil into eternal life?

Today is Jan. 30, Thursday of the Third Week in Ordinary Time.

We read at today’s Mass, “Brothers and sisters: Since through the Blood of Jesus we have confidence of entrance into the sanctuary by the new and living way he opened for us through the veil, that is, his flesh, and since we have ‘a great priest over the house of God,’ let us approach with a sincere heart and in absolute trust, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed in pure water” (Heb 10:19-22).

In the Temple in ancient Israel, the innermost sanctuary, called the “Holy of Holies” was separated from the rest of the Temple by a veil. The Holy of Holies, where the Ark of the Covenant was kept, was the very dwelling palace of God on earth. Only the high priest passed beyond the veil to enter this most sacred space. And he did so only once a year, on the Day of Atonement.

That’s the context for the claim we hear today in the Letter to the Hebrews. Through the blood of Jesus, we have “confidence of entrance into the sanctuary” (Heb 10:19). Jesus Christ is our High Priest. We who have been washed in his blood have been granted entrance to the Holy of Holies, to be united with God. St. John Chrysostom reminds us that this “entrance” is none other than our access to heaven and to the treasures of God’s grace. Jesus’ own flesh has been lifted up on the cross, opening the gates of heaven — a way Abraham and the holy ones before Christ could only await with hope.

Preparing the path of eternal life

This “new and living way” (Heb 10:20) stands in stark contrast to the paths that lead to emptiness and spiritual death. Our Lord’s sacrifice transforms our lives, enabling us to draw near to God with a “sincere heart” and “absolute trust.” We no longer journey as wanderers in darkness; we follow the One who has passed through the veil before us, preparing the path of eternal life.

In these words, we find two calls: first, a call to unwavering faith — God is trustworthy, and the promises He makes will never fail. Second, a call to encourage one another, assembling as the Body of Christ to stir each other to love and good works. The Christian life was never meant to be walked in isolation. We gather at the altar, we pray as a community, and we draw strength from one another, all the more as we anticipate the day when we see the Lord face-to-face.

Let us pray,

Almighty ever-living God, direct our actions according to your good pleasure, that in the name of your beloved Son we may abound in good works. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen.