Have you ever considered that family movie night could be more than just entertainment? This year, I stumbled upon a concept called “cinema divina,” or what I like to call “My Family Cinema,” and it has transformed how we experience movies together. Inspired by the ancient practice of lectio divina (divine reading), my family cinema invites us to prayerfully watch films and videos, allowing God to speak to us through the stories unfolding on screen.
If you’re familiar with our explorations into family lectio divina and visio divina, you’ll quickly grasp the essence of my family cinema. We’ve previously discussed incorporating scripture reading and visual meditation into family prayer. Now, we’re extending this to the realm of film, using movies and shows as a medium for shared spiritual reflection.
Why “My Family Cinema” is Perfect for Modern Families
The beauty of my family cinema lies in its accessibility and appeal, especially for families with children. Let’s face it, kids love screen time! My family cinema cleverly merges this love with opportunities for prayer and deeper connection. Imagine the excitement when you announce that family prayer time involves watching a movie together!
The primary hurdle for families venturing into my family cinema is time commitment. Unlike shorter practices like lectio divina or visio divina, movie-based prayer naturally requires a longer duration. When starting, it’s wise to begin with shorter shows or even segments of a film. Pay attention to your children’s attention spans; they need to remain engaged enough to reflect on what they’ve watched afterward.
Here’s the truly wonderful part: you’re likely already having family movie nights. Almost any age-appropriate film can become a tool for prayer. The movie doesn’t need to be overtly religious to facilitate a meaningful spiritual experience. It’s about opening ourselves to God’s presence within the narrative and characters.
Choosing Movies for Your Family Cinema Experience
When I first introduced my family cinema after my retreat, I was thoughtful about selecting our initial viewing. While any film depicting relatable human emotions and experiences can spark prayerful reflection, I wanted something particularly resonant for our family. For us, the series The Chosen proved to be an ideal choice, blending family entertainment with faith enrichment.
The Chosen is groundbreaking as the first multi-season TV series dramatizing the life of Jesus and his disciples. Currently, four seasons are available for free through The Chosen App. Having followed the series with my husband since its inception, we felt our daughters were now ready to join us. It’s important to note that The Chosen doesn’t shy away from depicting some of the harsher realities of biblical times, such as demonic possession and crucifixion. Therefore, as with any video content, especially for my family cinema, parental preview and discernment are crucial to ensure age-appropriateness.
Opting for The Chosen naturally led our family discussions and reflections towards scripture, the life of Christ, and the meaning of discipleship. Platforms like Formed, a streaming service from the Augustine Institute offering a wealth of Catholic content, also provide excellent Christ-centered and family-friendly movie options. Once you’ve chosen your film, you’re all set to begin your own my family cinema experience.
