If you missed the debut earlier this week of the absolutely spectacular History Channel documentary The Real Face of Jesus? — I watched it and highly recommend it — this part history of the Passion, part history of the Shroud of Turin and part hi-tech CSI airs tonight at 8:00 Eastern and at midnight, as well as at 5:00 p.m. Easter Sunday and at 5:00 p.m. a week from today. It may have additional showings in the next two weeks.
According to media reports (see Boston Herald), millions watched. It is absolutely stunning and I hope to share my impressions next week (I don’t want to ruin it for anyone).
But I will say this: since I saw the film, I now have a dynamic perspective when I read and hear the Gospel in church now, as I did at Mass Spy Wednesday and Holy Thursday, and at Good Friday service. I now visualize the man whose words are being read! If that doesn’t have an impact on you and your faith . . . . It just does. At least for me.
Another thought: Why is Jesus’ face the most sought after of pre-camera historical figures? No one clamors for Julius Caesar’s face, nor Alexander the Great, Aristotle, Henry VIII, Charlemagne, Confucius, Thomas Jefferson or George Washington. But the drive to discover Jesus physically certainly implies a yearning for a deeper understanding and commitment to faith.
From Brother John, myself and the whole Real Catholic team, thank you for your support of our blog and the online store. We wish you a Holy and Blessed Easter.
