Lenten Meditations: The Resurrection and the Shroud's Silent Testimony

Scripture: "Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb. He saw the linen cloths lying there, and the face cloth, which had been on Jesus’ head, not lying with the linen cloths but folded up in a place by itself." (John 20:6-7)
Reflection: John's account of the empty tomb highlights the significance of the linen cloths. These were not discarded in haste but laid aside with care. This detail suggests a deliberate act, a sign of something beyond mere human intervention. Meditate on the orderliness of the scene. Consider the wonder of Peter and John as they encountered this tangible evidence of the resurrection. Reflect on the moments in your life when you have experienced a sense of awe and wonder.
Connection to the Shroud: The Shroud, a linen cloth itself, becomes a focal point for this meditation. Imagine the scene within the tomb, the linen cloths bearing witness to the absence of the body. The Shroud, if authentic, adds a layer of depth to this reflection, inviting us to contemplate the mystery of how such an image could have been formed. The Shroud is an item that was in the tomb, and that remains, and that we can still view today.

Scripture: "At this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, though she did not realise that it was Jesus. 'Woman,' he said, 'why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?' Thinking he was the gardener, she said, 'Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will get him.' Jesus said to her, 'Mary.' She turned towards him and cried out in Aramaic, 'Rabboni!' (which means 'Teacher'). Jesus said, 'Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father. Go instead to my brothers and tell them, “I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.”'" (John 20:14-17)
Reflection: Mary Magdalene's encounter with the resurrected Jesus is a powerful testament to the transformative power of faith. Her initial grief turns to joy as she recognises her Lord. Meditate on the moment of recognition, the shift from despair to hope. Reflect on the times when you have experienced a profound sense of recognition or encounter with the divine.
Connection to the Shroud: The Shroud, as an image of the crucified and possibly resurrected Christ, invites us to contemplate the reality of this encounter. The face on the Shroud, though marked by suffering, represents the same Jesus who appeared to Mary Magdalene. Consider the emotional impact of seeing Jesus after his death, and the joy that Mary felt at that moment.

Scripture: "On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, 'Peace be with you!' After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord." (John 20:19-20)
Reflection: Jesus's appearance to the disciples, despite their fear and doubt, is a demonstration of his power and love. He offers them peace and shows them the marks of his crucifixion, confirming his identity. Meditate on the disciples' fear and their subsequent joy. Reflect on the times when you have experienced fear or doubt, and how faith can bring peace and reassurance.
Connection to the Shroud: The wounds depicted on the Shroud, particularly the marks on the hands and side, connect directly to this scriptural account. These physical signs serve as evidence of the resurrection, confirming that it was indeed Jesus who appeared to his disciples. The Shroud helps us to picture the wounds that the disciples saw.

Scripture: "Now Thomas (also known as Didymus), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, 'We have seen the Lord!' But he said to them, 'Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.' A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, 'Peace be with you!' Then he said to Thomas, 'Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.' Thomas said to him, 'My Lord and my God!' Then Jesus told him, 'Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.'" (John 20:24-29)
Reflection: Thomas's initial doubt and subsequent confession of faith highlight the human struggle to believe in the unseen. Meditate on the importance of faith, even in the face of doubt. Reflect on the times when you have struggled with your own faith, and how you have found reassurance.
Connection to the Shroud: The Shroud's image, with its detailed depiction of the wounds, addresses the very questions Thomas raised. It offers a visual representation of the physical evidence of the resurrection, prompting us to consider the nature of faith and the power of belief.

Scripture: “Jesus said, ‘Feed my sheep.’” (John 21:17)
Reflection: Following the resurrection, Jesus gives Peter and the disciples the great commission. Reflect on what this means for you, and how you can follow Jesus's instruction to feed his sheep.
Connection to the Shroud: The shroud shows us the man that gave us the great commission, and reminds us of the sacrifice that he made, so that we can be saved. Let the shroud be a reminder of the importance of the great commission.