A Catholic Commentary on the Chosen Augustine Institute

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.

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.

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.