Lift Your Spirits!

What a surprise to learn that there is a popular TV series called The Chosen about the life of Jesus!  This is not mainstream TV.  Episodes are available to watch for free on YouTube.  The concept they’ve used to fund the production, “Pay it Forward” is quite original, and it truly seems to be working.  There are brief ads that can be skipped after 5 seconds.  Though some of them are interesting and not the typical mainstream commercials. The casting is brilliant, and the acting is quite good.  Sets seem appropriate for the time period, and I am definitely swept up in each episode and look forward to seeing the next one. I've watched 6 episodes thus far and really enjoyed them.  The third is my favorite so far. The 1st season is also available to purchase on dvd and on Netflix. 

I’ve been intrigued by this series and have learned so much.  Over the years, Jesus has mainly been portrayed as a very serious teacher, from my experience.  I have known his disciples through their writings, relayed in the gospels each week at church. They’ve seemed somehow distant, even if revered and loved for their teachings.  Many of the gospel teachings as written in the Bible have required translation from clergy to be understood.  This  was the case back in Jesus’ time as well.  The anointed clergy interpreted the Torah and biblical scriptures.  It was not accepted that the common man could have proper understanding without the guidance of the clerics. Jesus, however, spoke directly to the people.

What this TV production interpretation has shown is Jesus as a joyful human, who related well to children and everyone.  He danced, laughed and enjoyed life’s celebrations.  Yes, he taught serious life lessons, and his teachings were often in the form of stories. He related well to the people, and they felt close to him. His look and his words captured the minds and hearts of those in his presence, even before he began performing miracles.  I’ve felt as though this view I am watching of Jesus is more real than any other I have seen, and yet it is simpler, less dramatic and not so rigid.  He is not portrayed as having a stern and commanding presence.  Instead, he was gentle, wise and exhibited much warmth toward those he encountered.  People were quite naturally drawn to him.  

I also appreciate gaining some understanding of the disciples. I’m sure there are those among you who have studied about the Christian faith much more than I have. Basically, I religiously attended Catechism class as a child, taught by strict nuns and went to church weekly throughout most of my life.  We raised our children Catholic, as we were raised.  I’ve experienced my ups and downs with the Catholic Church, but have always had a strong spiritual connection in my life.  All that said, I admit I know little about the apostles.  Watching The Chosen has given me insight into the lives and personalities of these men and women.  It’s great to see them as people in their daily lives and think of them with families and know their positions in their communities.  Seeing how each came to know Jesus has also been fascinating to me. For others, this may be knowledge you already have, but for me it is truly all new.  If I heard any of it as a child or in church, I evidently didn’t really learn it.  Even if I had known the information, I’d still enjoy this series.

I encourage and invite you to check out The Chosen.  It has been a wonderful way to spend my time, both from a learning perspective and to uplift my spirits.  May you also find wisdom, peace and light from the teachings.  Enjoy!

​May you and your loved ones be safe, healthy and happy.
Mary