Have you watched the TV series “The Chosen? All three seasons are on Angel Network for free, and the first season is on Netflix. I don’t usually write about books or shows, but I felt compelled to share about this.
(photo “The Chosen” promotional image)
First, the bad news. A lot of it was hard to hear, some of it was hard to see, and some was just so slow I almost fell asleep.
However, once I got past all that, I loved it.
It’s based on the Gospels, but a lot of it is imagined. If you’ve read any of my meditations, you know I love to pray with my imagination. I’ve envisioned Jesus smiling more often than frowning, laughing with his friends, and dancing at weddings. He has his serious moments and his angry ones, and he can see whatever untruths I tell myself, but he understands and is quick to forgive when I am ready to be forgiven. The show portrays him that way, too; it often feels like a prayer.
I also love the way it depicts the apostles. They are prideful, stubborn, annoying, and sometimes downright mean. Peter is bossy and unkind. Matthew hardly knows any of the Old Testament and annoys all the others (but he’s my favorite!). Philip is kind of crazy, and James and John are convinced they’re better than everyone else. What a bunch! A friend said, “I hate that they’re like that,” but I love it! It comforts me to remember that we are all human, and not a single one of us is perfect. Jesus loves us anyway – and chooses us.
These are not the only chosen ones; we all are.
Consider making some time during this Holy Week to check it out. Then come back and let me know what you think!
I can’t say enough about the chosen. It has brought the gospels alive for me. Now when I am listening to the priest read the gospel, it means so much more for me. I must confess I have watched it over and over again. I am so moved by it. Give it time and find the peace and the warmth of the movie. You will love it.!
Maureen, thanks for reading. I know I’ll be watching it all over again, too! Happy Easter!
Colleen, I’ve loved watching the interplay between the human Jesus and the divine Jesus, and how that enables Jesus to stay attuned to God’s will within all of our humanity. And I love, as you do, that the first 12 are so very human, reminding us that God chooses us in our humanity and transforms us through it! I’ve also fallen asleep during an episode…but replay is my friend! Thank you for your continued inspiration! Happy Triduum!
Debbie, yes, repeat is my friend too, lol. And I’m pretty sure I’ll watch episodes over and over again anyway, so I can catch then what I missed the first time around. Happy Triduum to you as well and thank you for reading!