Joan's Take on The Chosen

A packed episode with so many good conversations between characters and powerful points to ponder. We talk about Claudia and her dream and the figure of Pilate. Why does Mary hold onto her wounds? Why doesn’t Shula ask healing? And so much more…

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This second half of “Clean,” gives us two of the most-loved miracles in the Gospels. In this episode, we discuss what connected these two miracles and how what Jesus is doing transcends physical healing. We dive into a lot of Scripture, and we also discuss whether or not we’re okay with unrealistic turns of events and anachronisms for the sake of the story…

We see the healing of two daughters… but don’t we wish a third would come forward?

Scripture references:

* Matthew 9:14ff

* Mark 5 (especially verses 23, 28,34)

* Numbers 15:38-41

* Malachi 4:2

* Jeremiah 2:13

* John 7:37-39

In the first part of this two-episode story (“Clean”), the broken cistern in Capernaum sets up the need for some miracles and brings people together. We discuss a few relationships found in the episode, a few historical inaccuracies, and who Rabbi Yussif and Veronica might end up being…

This is a packed episode. There is a lot to discuss from a Catholic point of view, including addressing the reference to James and Jude and a little salvation-justification talk. I also delve into Jesus’ athletic ability and how we continue to grapple with the great mystery of the Incarnation.

Some helpful links/resources:

Jerome’s letter to Helvidius: https://www.newadvent.org/fathers/3007.htm

More about Mary of Cleopas: https://www.ewtn.com/catholicism/library/mary-of-cleophas-1080

Once again, this episode is setting up some future storylines. But we still find plenty to talk about: my thoughts on the depiction of Capernaum, some spiritual takeaways from Matthew’s reconciliation with his parents and the call of the disciples, and a particularly powerful scene with little James.

Just like last season, if you want to join the conversation live, it all happens over at www.youtube.com/joanwatson. My apologies when I do something that makes more sense over video rather than audio, like when I recommended Michael Hesemann’s book Jesus of Nazareth by holding it up to the camera rather than telling you all the name of it…

I’d love to hear from you and get your thoughts!

Enjoy!

We’re back for Season 3! We’ve waited a long time for this, and I think we’re about to be rewarded for that wait.

For the last two seasons, I waited to record these podcasts until the season was over. But due to some peer pressure and encouragement, I’ve decided to try to record while the season is unfolding. So I’ll be weighing in not really knowing where we are headed, which is kind of different from the past.

Just like the past seasons, if you want to join the conversation live, it all happens over at www.youtube.com/joanwatson. The episodes will post here in the day or days that follow.

Here we go! This episode is clearly setting up a lot of storylines to come, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t a lot to talk about!

We had a surprise Christmas present from Dallas and The Chosen this year! If you didn’t catch it in the theatres, you can now find it on the Chosen app. While I didn’t do a live commentary, here are some of my thoughts and opinions about the newest episode.

As we wrap up season 2, we take a look at how they chose to portray the Sermon on the Mount (at least the lead up to it…). While it wasn’t my favorite episode, I love seeing the choices Dallas makes and hearing how different scenes affect different viewers. We’ll also chat about Judas, and I get on a soapbox.

I was anticipating this to be a short discussion, since the episode didn’t include a lot of Scripture to delve into, but the YouTube chat box got lively! (which I love.) There was a lot of character development in this episode, including a good examination of conscience: which Apostle would I be when following Jesus gets a little dicey? This episode also features the return of one of my favorite characters, Quintus. And lot of doors are open for future episodes: What will become of Atticus? Gaius? WHO IS YUSSIF!?

Enjoy.

We delve into what I think is one of the most beautiful and Catholic scenes in Season 2, we look at what was happening in Nob in the opening, and I break open some Old Testament Scripture to give us a better understanding of what Jesus was saying about his Apostles. Oh, and a book recommendation, too.