Things to talk about:

• What does transfigured mean?
• Based on what you heard in today’s Gospel, imagine what Jesus looked like in his glory. In your own words, describe him.
• Why is it significant that Moses and Elijah were present at the Transfiguration?
• Where do you witness, as Peter, James and John did, the glorious presence of Christ in our world today? How will you “Show your Jesus” this Lent?

Things to do:

• Fast from electronic screens for one evening this week, offering your sacrifice for the intentions in your Prayer.
• Visit a Science Center. Jesus’ transfiguration was a supernatural event. In the natural world, transfiguration is the science of turning one thing into another thing. In honor of this Gospel, take visit a local science museum, science center, or technology-related exhibit. If you can’t go to a museum, search the Internet for some cool science experiments that you can do at home!
• During the season of Lent, what color do you see in the church? What does this color represent?
• What do we sing before the Gospel is proclaimed during Lent?  (Write Alleluia on a piece of paper and bury it until the Easter Vigil.)
   
   

Closing Prayer

Hail Mary

Ask the Blessed Mother to pray for those intentions that are most important to your family. Say a Hail Mary for each intention, filling the blank with a name or situation you want to lift up in prayer.

Hail Mary, full of grace. The Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for __________________now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
 

Name those who need our prayers. Close with the Sign of the Cross.

Catholic Insight

This is the second time we hear God announce that Jesus is his beloved Son. Jesus takes Peter, James and John to the top of the mountain; the same three he takes when he goes to pray in the Garden of Gethsemane before his death.  Jesus is transfigured on the mountaintop, his whole being shone with blinding light. Two figures from the Old Testament, long dead, are standing with Jesus and speaking to him. Moses relayed God’s message to the people and had a very personal relationship with God. Elijah, one of the boldest prophets, was brave and confident in his relationship with God. These two figures represent the Law and the Prophets. Their speaking to Jesus  signifies that Jesus is the fulfillment of these two aspects of the Jewish faith. 

The Transfiguration of Jesus is a revelation, an epiphany of Jesus as the Son of  God. Although it takes place before his death and Resurrection, it is a glimpse of the resurrected and glorified Christ to whom the law and the prophets are fulfilled. (CCC 555). Jesus offers the disciples and us a glimpse of the glory that awaits those who follow him even to death. True disciples of Jesus, who are transformed in mind and heart while still on earth, are called to transform the world by proclaiming the Gospel.

Additional key concepts for this week:

Transfiguration– On the second Sunday of Lent each year, we hear the story of Jesus’ Transfiguration.The story of Jesus’ Transfiguration is told in the three Synoptic Gospels: Matthew, Mark, and Luke. In each of those Gospels, the Transfiguration follows Jesus’ first prediction of his death and his teaching about the costs of discipleship. Jesus’ Transfiguration is a promise of Jesus’ glory, his Resurrection.

On a mountain in today’s reading, a voice affirms that Jesus is God’s Son in words reminiscent of the voice at Jesus’ baptism. In addition, the appearance of Moses and Elijah on the mountain connects this story with God’s relationship to the people of Israel. Moses and Elijah represent the Law and the Prophets, respectively. Together with Jesus, they represent God’s complete Word.

The Transfiguration occurs in the presence of just three of Jesus’ disciples: Peter, James, and John. In Matthew’s Gospel, those disciples are among the first whom Jesus calls. The three men are identified as an “inner circle” among Jesus’ disciples when Jesus asks them to accompany him to the Garden of Gethsemane just before his arrest. (https://www.loyolapress.com/catholic-resources/liturgical-year/sunday-connection/)

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Resources adapted from 52Sundays.com, Celebrating the Lectionary, At Home with the Word, Celebrating Families, Sunday Connection