|
"Inexorably we find ourselves bound to follow the sequence of the
Passion, as we study the next group of wounds visible on the Shroud,
again described by Dr. Willis:
|
'If we examine the dorsal image and study the part between the
large scorch marks and repairs just below the top of the shoulders,
there is a quadrangular shading measuring four inches by three
and a half inches over the right shoulder; further down on the
left side there is another area of excessive shading in the
scapular region. This is rounded with a diameter of about five
inches. These two areas represent broad excoriated wounds superimposed
on the wounds from the scourging, which can be seen through them
and have been widened and altered in form and perhaps in some
cases obliterated compared with the marks alongside. These wounds
could well have originated from the friction of some heavy object
rubbing on an already damaged area of skin.'
|
"It needs little imagination for us to identify these wounds as from
the carrying of a cross. We know that it was a prescribed part of the
crucifixion ritual for the victim to carry his cross through the
streets to the place of execution, suffering on the way the taunts
and jeers of passers-by. In general, it would seem, the whole cross
was not carried but only the crossbeam, the upright or "stipes"
remaining permanently in position. An average crossbeam, weighing an
estimated one hundred pounds, would alone have been enough of a
burden for a man already severely weakened by the effects of the
merciless scourging. The chafing of the shoulders observed by Dr. Willis
in the case of the man of the Shroud, significantly appearing over the
marks of the scourging, is entirely consistent with the carrying of
such a heavy beam. The sufferings of the victim were further exacerbated
by what would seem to have been heavy falls. Professor Judica-Cordiglia
has identified heavy damage to the knees of the man of the Shroud,
there being a large contusion to the left knee together with
excoriations with jagged edges in the region of the patella or
kneecap, and further, smaller contusion wounds to the right knee. It
hardly needs mentioning that Jesus' difficulty carrying the cross,
specifically recorded in the Gospels, strongly imply repeated falls.
|
