TONIGHT BBC One: 8pm. Mon 8:30, Fri 9pm, Next Sun
The BBC is broadcasting a new drama, “The Passion”, over four episodes over the next seven days at peak viewing times. It is an adaptation of the events of Holy Week. The story is told from three points of view: the religious authorities; the Romans; and Jesus and his disciples. All the key players are intimately characterised, with Jesus at the centre. The producers apparently wanted to present Jesus with a touch of the contemporary, working man about him. The emphasis will be upon his humanity, not his divinity.
As such, and as a dramatic work, there is likely to be helpful angles to this drama, as well as emphasises that are false and not in accord with Catholic teaching – especially when it comes to depicting Christ’s suffering in a human but also creaturely manner. Christ is fully human, but also in fact God, through Whom all things are made by God the Father. The writer is explicit about “not taking a line” on this latter, fundamental aspect of who Jesus was and is. This will undermine his stated desire to want to stay close to the Gospel story.
Nevertheless this broadcast is an opportunity for evangelisation since many people will be talking about Jesus and the Passion story who would not otherwise be doing so; it is likely to stimulate discussion and reflection.
It might provide opportunities for handing our Holy Week timetable, copies of this newsletter, and witnessing to the merciful love of God for us. See also www.life4seekers.org.uk for more evangelization resources.
As such, and as a dramatic work, there is likely to be helpful angles to this drama, as well as emphasises that are false and not in accord with Catholic teaching – especially when it comes to depicting Christ’s suffering in a human but also creaturely manner. Christ is fully human, but also in fact God, through Whom all things are made by God the Father. The writer is explicit about “not taking a line” on this latter, fundamental aspect of who Jesus was and is. This will undermine his stated desire to want to stay close to the Gospel story.
Nevertheless this broadcast is an opportunity for evangelisation since many people will be talking about Jesus and the Passion story who would not otherwise be doing so; it is likely to stimulate discussion and reflection.
It might provide opportunities for handing our Holy Week timetable, copies of this newsletter, and witnessing to the merciful love of God for us. See also www.life4seekers.org.uk for more evangelization resources.
posted by Sinead Reekie at 2:15 pm