In this profound narrative, we are drawn into the sacred journey of Holy Week, culminating in the pivotal events of Good Friday and Holy Saturday. Through the lens of tradition and scripture, we witness the profound mystery of Jesus's descent to the abode of the dead on Holy Saturday. It is a moment of divine triumph, as Christ, through His sacrificial death on the Cross, conquers death itself and proclaims the Good News to those who had gone before Him.

Through His sacrifice and His humble offering of Himself in the Eucharist, Christ extends an invitation for us to share in His divine life and love. As we partake in this divine mystery, we are called to spread the Good News of salvation to all.

In this poignant episode, we witness a profound testimony from an eyewitness of Jesus's crucifixion - John, the beloved disciple. Deeply impacted by the events surrounding Jesus's death, John shares a personal journey of transformation and redemption. From initial doubt and resistance to embracing the love and sacrifice displayed on the Cross, his encounter with Jesus's gaze sparks a profound shift in perspective.

Through heartfelt reflection and contemplation, listeners are invited to explore their own understanding of love and sacrifice in light of Jesus's ultimate act of love on the Cross. This Lenten season, join us as we delve into the depths of God's love, allowing Him to fill our hearts with His transformative love and grace.

We see the crucifixion through the perspective of Simon, who unwillingly assists Jesus in carrying the Cross to Calvary. Despite initially resisting involvement, Simon's encounter with Jesus's gaze during the arduous journey transforms his perception. He realizes that Jesus bears the burden of not only the physical Cross but also the weight of humanity's sins. Through Simon's reflections, listeners are invited to contemplate their own responses to the call of carrying their crosses in life, acknowledging Jesus's enduring presence and support.

The episode highlights the power of encountering Jesus's gaze, symbolizing a shift from reluctance to acceptance of the Cross. By delving into Simon's internal struggle and eventual acceptance, the narrative underscores the universal invitation to embrace one's crosses and walk alongside Jesus. Through prayerful reflection and openness to grace, listeners are encouraged to overcome fear and pride, accepting Jesus's call to carry their crosses with faith and courage.

As the stones drop and the crowd disperses, only Jesus and the woman remain. With compassion and grace, Jesus offers her forgiveness and a new beginning. Mary Magdalene's voice reverberates with emotion as she reflects on this life-changing encounter, cherishing the words of love and redemption spoken to her by the Savior. She invites listeners to heed Jesus's call to leave behind the shackles of sin and embrace the freedom found in His forgiving love.

As Mary Magdalene's story unfolds, we are reminded of the power of Christ's love and the invitation to turn away from sin and walk in the light of His grace. His invitation to "Go and sin no more" echoes through the ages, inviting us to embrace true joy and freedom from the bondage of sin. This Lenten season, let us be imitators of Christ's love, refraining from condemning others and extending forgiveness, just as Jesus did for Mary Magdalene.

We journey through the depths of compassion and courage with Veronica, the woman who dared to confront the chaos of the Crucifixion. Amidst the haunting sounds of a heavy wooden object being dragged and the echo of whips cracking, Veronica emerges from the crowd. With trembling hands, she offers her veil to Jesus, a simple yet profound gesture of love amidst the brutality surrounding them.

As she reflects on this sacred moment, we are reminded of the transformative power of even the smallest acts of love offered to Christ. Let’s confront the challenges of living out our faith in a world often hostile to Christian values. This Lenten season, we're called to examine our own lives and ask for forgiveness for moments when we've faltered in professing our love for Christ.

In the second episode of our Lenten series, "Were You There?" we focus on the conflicted yet devoted disciple, Peter. Amidst the background sounds of people huddled by a fireplace, whispering about the impending events, we hear the pivotal moment when Peter denies knowing Jesus. We witness Peter's internal struggle, his cry for help on the stormy sea, and the tender question from Jesus, "Do you love me?" Peter's journey unfolds, highlighting his shortcomings, but also the unconditional love and forgiveness he receives.

Join us on this immersive audio experience that encourages self-reflection, forgiveness, and preparation for the Lenten season and Easter celebration. Will you, like Peter, confess your love for Him? Will you allow His love to conquer your heart this Lent?

In the first episode of our Lenten podcast series, we delve into the Virgin Mary's profound sorrow and unwavering faith amidst the chaos of Christ's crucifixion. Through her eyes, experience the profound emotions of a mother witnessing her beloved son's excruciating suffering. Join us as we journey with Mary from the manger to the cross, confronting the timeless question: "Were you there, when they crucified my Lord?" This Lent, let this story invite us to examine our own responses to Christ's sacrifice of love that redeems us.

Join us on a journey into the depths of history and tradition to walk alongside those who witnessed the crucifixion of our Lord. Feel their anguish, their hope, their unwavering faith, and ask yourself, where were you? In this Lenten season, let their stories inspire reflection to prepare our hearts for Easter's profound message of love and redemption. Tune in to ‘Were You There?’ - a Shalom World Podcasts series inviting you to pause, reflect, and discover the profound depths of love and sacrifice.