Second Sunday of Lent - Year A
March 12, 2017
Gospel: Mt 17:1-9
Jesus took Peter, James, and John his brother, and led
them up a high mountain by themselves. And he was transfigured (1) before them; his
face shone like the sun and his clothes became white as light. And behold,
Moses and Elijah appeared to them, conversing with him. Then Peter said to
Jesus in reply, "Lord, it is good that we are here. If you wish, I will
make three tents here, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah."
While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud cast a shadow over them,
then from the cloud came a voice that said, "This is my beloved Son, with
whom I am well pleased; listen to him." When the disciples heard this,
they fell prostrate
(2) and were very much afraid. But Jesus came and touched them,
saying, "Rise, and do not be afraid." And when the disciples raised
their eyes, they saw no one else but Jesus alone.
As they were coming down from the mountain, Jesus charged (3)
them, "Do not tell the vision to anyone until the Son of Man (4) has been raised from
the dead."
http://www.usccb.org
The difficult words
(1)Transfigured means changed in appearance, or
glorified.
(2)Prostrate means lying face down.
(4)The Son of
Man is another name for the Messiah, Jesus.
This week’s spotlight
The Transfiguration
This Sunday’s Gospel tells us about the
Transfiguration.This is a mysterious episode in the life of Jesus in which he
shows his closest friends that he is truly God’s Son. The shining cloud and
dazzling white clothing are signs of
God’s presence. The three Apostles see Jesus with Moses and Elijah, who show
that Jesus is the one whom the prophets foretold. This event helps the Apostles
believe in Jesus.
Biblical numbers
The Bible is divided into seventy-three books. Each
book itself is divided into chapters. All the sentences are numbered. This allows
us to easily find a certain passage in the Bible. For example, when you read
"a reading from the Book of Nehemiah 8:1-4," it’s referring to the
Book of Nehemiah, chapter 8, sentences I through 4.The biblical sentences are
called verses.
Reflection
Witnesses to the faith!
Peter, James, and John were with Jesus at his
Transfiguration, but Jesus warned them not to tell anyone about it until he had
risen from the dead. After Jesus rose, they shared the story, and that story
has been handed down from one generation to the next all the way to us. How
beautiful it is that the Gospel is shared this way! Think about it: your faith
comes from the faith of others! Your parents, your grandparents, your teachers,
the Priests...all have helped you to know Jesus. Your love of God has grown
from watching others live in God’s grace. You see them put their faith into
practice. Their witness has led you into the long chain of believers that
continues to grow today. Bear witness to your faith at Mass today by reciting
the Creed with a loud and joyful voice!
Discussion questions
1.How is Jesus transformed on the mountaintop?
2.Who appears to Jesus and the disciples?
3.What does the voice of God say?
4.What do the disciples do when they hear the voice of God?
After
receiving Holy Communion,
you can say this prayer silently to yourself. If you
have not yet
received your First Communion, you can still say this prayer because of your desire to
receive Jesus.
Father,
through Jesus Christ in union with the whole Church, I thank you for coming
into my heart. We do not see Jesus transfigured on the mountain, but we believe
that he is your Son. Help us to listen to him, and to share our faith with
others.
This week…
Meeting witnesses of God
We run into many people in our
lives who speak to us about God. Try to remember the names of some of these
special witnesses. Thank God for them in your evening prayers this week.
Open the Bible
Read the Spotlight of this week. It explains how you
find a passage in the Bible. Share the results of your research with someone
you know.
Crossword Puzzle
Source: usccb.org
- Magnifikid - sermons4kids.com – rclblectionary.com
–usccb.org/bible/readings-audio.cfm