What to Watch This Lenten Season: A Guide for Young Catholics

Lent is here, and it’s the perfect time to hit the reset button on our spiritual lives. But let’s be real...sometimes it’s hard to know where to start. We get caught up in work, school, or whatever else is going on, and it’s easy to fall into watching mindless stuff that doesn't really make us think or grow. But this Lenten season, we have the chance to choose something that actually nourishes us spiritually.

Let’s talk about what to watch this Lent, and how we can swap out our usual shows (goodbye, reality TV and crime thrillers) for content that not only entertains us, but also deepens our faith and helps us prepare for Easter. I promise, it’s worth it.

Why Choose Faith-Focused Content?

Think about it: we spend a lot of time watching TV, scrolling through TikTok, and binging Netflix, right? But the stuff we watch shapes our mindset and, honestly, impacts our spiritual health. Reality TV might be fun, but does it really help us grow in faith? Probably not. And those crime dramas? They’ll keep you on the edge of your seat, but do they leave you feeling peaceful or more stressed? Not so much.

This Lent, we have an opportunity to replace all those distractions with content that actually helps us connect with God. Trust me, it’s so much more fulfilling. The goal here isn’t just to be entertained, it’s to grow spiritually, reflect on Jesus' sacrifice, and prepare our hearts for Easter. Let’s dive into what we can watch that will help us do exactly that.

Here’s What You Can Watch This Lenten Season:

1. The Chosen

   OK, let’s start with The Chosen, which might just be one of my personal favorite recommendations for this Lent. This show seriously changed my faith journey. Watching it helped me see the life of Jesus in a way I’d never experienced before. The way they portray Jesus and the disciples is so relatable and human. The Chosen is all about showing the humanity of Christ and the people He interacted with. It really hit me hard and helped me understand God’s love for us on a whole new level. If you haven’t watched it yet, now’s the time. It's a perfect series to dive into during Lent, especially if you’re looking to connect with Jesus in a deeper, more personal way. It’s not just entertainment, it’s part of my own faith story, and I’m betting it’ll be a big part of yours too.

2. The Passion of the Christ

   The Passion of the Christ is intense, emotional, and raw. It’s not easy to watch, but it’s so powerful. It focuses on the final hours of Jesus' life and His suffering for us, reminding us of why Lent is so important. Watching this film can really help us reflect on Christ’s ultimate sacrifice. It's an eye-opener, a gut-check, and a heart-check all in one. Get ready to be moved, but in the best way possible, it’ll remind you why we’re doing all this in the first place.

3. For Greater Glory

   For Greater Glory tells the story of the Cristero War, a period of religious persecution in Mexico. It’s packed with action and real history, but the underlying theme is faith, sacrifice, and standing up for what’s right, even when it’s hard. This is the kind of movie that reminds us that our faith isn’t just something we believe in—it’s something we live out, no matter what. Watching it will fire you up to live out your own faith with courage and conviction.

4. Bishop Barron’s Catholicism Series

   If you want to go deeper into the faith, check out Catholicism by Bishop Robert Barron. It’s like a mini Catholic college class, but way more engaging. It explores the beauty of the Catholic faith, the art, history, and theology that make our Church so rich. It’ll give you fresh insights and help you appreciate the depth of our tradition. Plus, it’s an easy way to dive into the "why" behind what we believe.

5. Saints and Stories of the Church

   There are tons of documentaries and films about saints and Church history that will inspire you. Watching the lives of saints like St. Therese of Lisieux or St. Francis of Assisi can give you some major #faithgoals. These people lived out radical love and faith, and their stories are a huge source of inspiration. If you’re looking to grow in holiness this Lent, check out these stories, they’ll inspire you to live out your own faith more fully.

6. Inspirational YouTube Channels

   YouTube is a goldmine for Catholic content. Channels like Ascension Presents, Word on Fire, and Catholic Answers post videos on pretty much every topic you can think of. Whether you're looking for a 5-minute reflection on the day’s Gospel reading or a deep dive into theology, these channels have got you covered. They're easy to access and perfect for a quick spiritual pick-me-up in between class, work, or whatever else is going on in your life.

Replacing Your Usual Shows with Faith-Focused Content

So, here's the challenge: replace the usual reality TV, crime dramas, and suspense thrillers with content that builds you up spiritually. Sure, those shows are entertaining, but they don’t give you peace of mind or connect you with your faith. Instead, let’s watch things that help us understand God’s love, reflect on Christ’s passion, and prepare for the joy of Easter.

Imagine spending your Lent reflecting on Jesus’ life through The Chosen or contemplating His suffering through The Passion of the Christ. It’ll do way more for your heart than scrolling through endless TikToks or getting lost in the drama of some reality TV show. Plus, this content will make you think, pray, and reflect on your relationship with God.

How This Helps Us Spiritually

When we make the choice to watch faith-based content, we’re intentionally turning our minds toward what really matters, our relationship with God. Here’s how this helps us spiritually:

1. It helps us understand Scripture and the teachings of the Church: The content we choose shapes our thinking. Watching movies and series about Christ, the Bible, or the saints helps us understand the richness of our faith.

2. It creates space for prayer and reflection: Shows like The Chosen and The Passion of the Christ invite us to pause, reflect, and pray. These aren’t just things to watch, they’re opportunities to encounter God.

3. It prepares us for Easter: By focusing on Christ’s passion and resurrection, we’re intentionally preparing our hearts for Easter. This season isn’t just about giving something up, it’s about growing closer to God.

4. It replaces distractions with spiritual growth: Instead of filling our time with distractions that pull us away from God, we’re filling it with content that draws us closer to Him.

Looking Ahead

This Lent, let’s be intentional with what we watch. The media we consume can either bring us closer to Christ or take us further away. By choosing to watch content that helps us grow spiritually, we’re investing in our faith and preparing our hearts for Easter.

In a later blog post, we’ll dive deeper into why we should be more careful with the things we watch, like reality TV and crime dramas, and how they can affect us spiritually. Stay tuned for that!