READ Matthew 17:1-9 After six days Jesus took Peter, James, and John his brother, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. And he was transfigured 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 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 them, “Do not tell the vision to anyone until the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.”
UNDERSTAND by Father Greg Friedman, OFM
One of the most dramatic scenes in Catholic liturgy comes at the Easter Vigil when adults are baptized. They come up out of the water dripping wet, and after leaving to change, re-enter the church in their white baptismal robes. Now in my parish the baptismal moment at the Easter Vigil is a lot less dramatic, but I always like to look at the faces of the newly baptized. There's always a special glow seemingly inside as well as out, as these new Christians experience the transformation that comes to them. Only later, I suspect, do they begin to realize all the implications of that change. Perhaps that's why our liturgy gives us today's First Reading—the story of the call of Abraham to leave his homeland and his family and set out for the Promised Land. Abraham's response transformed his whole life. He began a long journey perhaps leading him at times to wonder if he was on the right path. In Baptism, we too say yes to God—a choice that transforms our lives, setting us on a journey of faith that continues to this day. As we "journey" through this Lent, let’s recall our baptismal commitment and let it reflect in our words and deeds and even in our faces at times.
DISCUSS by Father Dan Kroger, OFM • In the first reading (Gen 12:1-4a), God told Abram to leave home. What did God promise him? Did Abram obey God? • The second reading (2Tim 1:8b-10) talks about how we are called to live a holy life according to God’s plan. Do you think that Timothy is right when he says we can lead a good life because of Jesus? Without Jesus where would we be? • According to the Gospel (Mt 17:1-9), where did Jesus lead Peter, James, and John?
What happened to Jesus there on the mountain? Who appeared to them? Do you think that the three apostles were scared by the bright cloud and the voice? What did the voice tell them? Would you be frightened if something like this happened to you? What did Jesus tell the three apostles they should not do?
ACT by Susan Hines-Brigger • In the Gospel, Peter spoke of setting up three tents on the mountain. Gather a bunch of blankets from around your house and use them to set up tents in your living room or another room in your house. Have a sleepover in the tents. Or, if the weather is nice enough where you live, set up some tents in the yard and have a campout. • Draw a picture of the scene that is described in the Gospel.