Listen to Him
Second Sunday of Lent (A)
Read this Gospel passage aloud to the family
Matthew 17: 1-9 - 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.”
(Parent) Reread this part a few times aloud
“This is my Son; listen to Him.”
(Parent) Read this meditation aloud to the family
In the Gospel today we have a, if not the, mountaintop experience for the Apostles Peter, James, and John during Jesus’ ministry – the Transfiguration. And even though the event is about Jesus, it really seems to be given for these Apostles. Beyond having these three central Apostles present – Peter, James, and John – it also has three of the most central historical Jews present – Jesus, of course, Moses, and Elijah. Perhaps we would include Abraham and David in that group of historical Jewish giants, as well. But most likely we can assume that the reason that it is Moses and Elijah who appear and are speaking with Jesus at the Transfiguration is because they represent the whole teaching of the Jews, being summed up as the “law and the prophets”. God gave the Law to Moses. Elijah was the greatest of the Old Testament prophets. But they also represent for the Jews a certain looking ahead, a hope, a promise that in their lives and the generations to follow that was not yet fulfilled.
It is a wonderful to consider also that there are three other Persons present at the Transfiguration – the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. The Father speaks. The Son is Jesus. The Holy Spirit always present with the Father and the Son, but at times in Scripture is present overshadowing in a cloud. So here at the Transfiguration, Moses and Elijah, and Peter, James, and John finally see clearly the fulfillment of their hope, their promise, their people, their world, and their entire lives – Jesus, who is the beloved Son of God.
As a family, pray a portion of the Rosary together (very short if children are young) reflecting on the Scripture passage above.(Optional: allow a brief time for discussion or questions from children concerning their thoughts and prayer.)
Reminder for Parents: Pier is just meant to be a jumping off point. The real goal is that you pray & eventually use the fruits of your personal prayer as the content of your family’s prayer. Duc in altum.
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