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According to the narrative, this young man had only an outer
garment (Sindon), and it was made up of linen, an expensive
material that was generally worn by the rich. A Sindon could be
worn either as an "outer" garment- that is, over something else or
as an "inner" garment, as the sole one. Sindon, characteristically
of Egyptian or Syrian manufacture, was generally a big
rectangular piece of cloth used as a cloak or a mantle. Hence,
in terms of its function as a garment it largely overlapped the
Chiton, which was similarly shaped and used but was usually
made of wool. From Markan theological standpoint, since
Sindon was commonly used for burial wrappings, it is indicative
that the young man was willing to die with Jesus. This could
also mean that this mysterious incident was mentioned to
shame the disciples of Jesus who abandoned him for the fear
of death. Though the narrative says that this young man too
ran away when he was seized, it was this young man alone who
followed Jesus in that moment. The moment was so terrifying
that he would rather run naked in the woods than be arrested
with Jesus.

Symbolism
Mark often mentions clothing with strong symbolic
overtones so that it offers special significance to the readers.
Consequently, the clothes of John the Baptist in Mark 1:6
identify him as a prophet, and, therefore, as an important figure
at the beginning of the gospel. The clothing of Jesus in the
episode of the transfiguration becomes dazzling white, ‘whiter
than anyone in the world could bleach them’ (Mark 9:3). For
Mark, the nature of the clothing underlines the mysterious
significance of the event. These references to exceptional
clothing are found at crucial points at the beginning and at the
turning point of the narrative where important revelations are
given. The clothing of the young man in Mark 14:51-52 and in
16:5 should be understood against this background. The young
man in Gethsemane, according to Mark, is dressed in a linen

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Lenten Meditations Re - Imaging People