A Catholic Commentary on the Chosen Augustine Institute

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.