A Catholic Commentary on the Chosen

Catholics and Protestants believe different things about Mary's labor. These differences can lead to varying presentations of the birth of Jesus in popular movies and shows. Join Dr. Scott Hefelfinger and Dr. Michael Barber as they explain the Catholic Church's understanding of Mary's labor and the birth of Jesus Christ.  Watch The Chosen on FORMED.Get a 7-day free trial of FORMED.Support this podcast and the Augustine Institute on the Mission Circle.

As Season 1 of Catholic Commentary comes to a close, Dr. Michael Barber and Dr. Scott Hefelfinger offer their thoughts on the healing of Peter’s mother-in-law, Jesus’ title as the “Son of Man,” and The Chosen’s presentation of Jesus’ encounter with the woman at the well.   Watch The Chosen on FORMED.Get a 7-day free trial of FORMED.Support this podcast and the Augustine Institute on the Mission Circle.

In "Invitations," The Chosen explores the relationship between faith and reason, especially in Jesus' conversation with Nicodemus. Dr. Michael Barber and Dr. Scott Hefelfinger comment on this scene and the touching moment when Matthew decides to leave everything and follow Jesus.   Watch The Chosen on FORMED.Get a 7-day free trial of FORMED.Support this podcast and the Augustine Institute on the Mission Circle.

In "Indescribable Compassion," Episode 6 of The Chosen, the healing of the leper and the paralytic is beautifully recounted. Join Dr. Michael Barber and Dr. Scott Hefelfinger as they comment on this episode, highlighting the parts they found incredibly touching and the questions for self-reflection that this episode raised.  Watch The Chosen on FORMED.Get a 7-day free trial of FORMED.Support this podcast and the Augustine Institute on the Mission Circle.

This Catholic Commentary episode examines two stories contained in the Gospels: the Finding of Jesus in the Temple (Lk 2:41-52) and the Wedding Feast at Cana (Jn 2:1-12). In particular, Dr. Barber and Dr. Hefelfinger discuss the maternal depiction of Mary as intercessor found in The Chosen, the ramifications of Jesus’ first public miracle on his life, whether or not Jesus had other siblings, and many other scenes in Episode 5 of The Chosen.  Watch The Chosen on FORMED.Get a 7-day free trial of FORMED.Support this podcast and the Augustine Institute on the Mission Circle.

In this episode, Dr. Scott Hefelfinger and Dr. Michael Barber comment on the fourth episode of The Chosen, "The Rock On Which It Is Built." They unpack Peter’s conversion, the history of the Jewish people and their hope for reunification, and their joy at the depiction of the miraculous catch of fish.  Watch The Chosen on FORMED.Get a 7-day free trial of FORMED.Support this podcast and the Augustine Institute on the Mission Circle.

In this episode, Dr. Scott Hefelfinger and Dr. Michael Barber comment on the third episode of The Chosen, "Jesus Loves the Little Children." They examine the episode's title, the place of children in the Kingdom of God, and prayer in Jewish and Christian traditions.  Watch The Chosen on FORMED.Get a 7-day free trial of FORMED.Support this podcast and the Augustine Institute on the Mission Circle.

This episode discusses the second episode of The Chosen, "Shabbat," examining the Jewish beliefs and practices behind the Sabbath celebration and the characters Peter and Matthew.  Watch The Chosen on FORMED.Get a 7-day free trial of FORMED.Support this podcast and the Augustine Institute on the Mission Circle.

In this episode, Dr. Scott Hefelfinger and Dr. Michael Barber unpack Episode 1 of The Chosen, "I Have Called You By Name." They discuss the theological importance of names, the archeological remains of Magdala, and the Scriptural roots of the episode.  Watch The Chosen on FORMED.Get a 7-day free trial of FORMED.Support this podcast and the Augustine Institute on the Mission Circle.

In this introductory episode, Dr. Scott Hefelfinger and Dr. Michael Barber explain their initial attitudes toward The Chosen, ground The Chosen’s creative license in portraying the life of Christ in the teaching of the Catholic Church and Scripture, and discuss the historical context in which the Gospels were written.  Watch The Chosen on FORMED.Get a 7-day free trial of FORMED.Support this podcast and the Augustine Institute on the Mission Circle.