“The Chosen”. So many friends and colleagues have been telling us to check it out. The episodes sure do bring the world of Capernaum up close and relatable. Watching this show is undoubtably better use of leisure time than many other trivial pursuits. “The Chosen” portrays real people with very real emotions we can connect to. It is easy to imagine ourselves as Mary Magdalene, Peter, even Gaius the Roman soldier who makes himself just vulnerable enough to be genuinely curious of “The Teacher” who has come into the village with strange words and magical healing powers.

There are countless movie series, like “Star Wars” that give us glimpses of theology, of a higher power, even “The chosen one” from Episode I of “Star Wars”, the one who would “bring balance to The Force”. We know from already seen Episodes IV-VI (1977-1983) how that “balance” played out. The story we are part of is that we are chosen of “The Chosen”. Twelve men hand-picked as if they were the least likely, last player drafted. (Recall that Tom Brady lasted until the seventh round until selected by the New England Patriots; we know how that turned out). We are chosen out of perfect, unconditional love.

 The One who was from the beginning was chosen, of course, but really sent at an appointed time to enter our Capernaums, families, and personal stories. He then chose us. His purpose for being human was to be the first of those who would be resurrected. We suffer with our frail humanity as did He. We mourn our dead, as did He. We carry our crosses, as did He. On the way we are healed, transformed, and forgiven. Chosen by The Chosen One. He brings reconciling with God Our Father. Theories and theologies can be helpful, but nothing compares to the inexpressible JOY! of knowing Him up close and personal. May that JOY! transcend and transport you through this week of passionate suffering, dying, and rising.

Pastor Art