The message of the Shroud

We can read the message of the Shroud in the image imprinted on it. Comparing the Gospel accounts of the passion of Christ and His death on the cross with the image of suffering we see on the fabric of the Shroud we have the impression that they reflect one another. We cannot help thinking that God gave us this image to help us to take seriously what the Gospel pages tell us of the infinite love of Jesus who suffered for our redemption. The Shroud message is therefore simple, dramatic, demanding and very consoling:

• think, everyone, about how serious the evil of sin is that made the Son of God suffer in this way;
• think whether the Son of God, made your brother, could love you more than this;
• think whether it is right to walk past so much suffering without dedicating your life to returning such great love;
• think how much trust this boundless love deserves, which wishes to receive your poverty too, along with that of all sinners.