TRANSFIGURATION of the LORD (A)
Sunday 6 August 2017
The Examen How have I lived out last week’s Gospel message? … What was tough? … What was rewarding? The Introduction Transfiguration. It’s a word that might come to mind when you think of Harry Potter. But what does it mean? In a word, it means change! Just as Jesus’ whole countenance is changed before the disciples’ eyes, we too are meant to be changed, transfigured by grace! The call of the Christian life is to turn away from darkness and to live as children of the light, so that our light may shine before all and give glory to God. The Call to Prayer Leader: We gather as a people for whom faith matters.
All:
O God, deepen our faith.
Leader: We gather as a people rejoicing in memory.
All:
O God, hallow our tradition.
Leader: We gather as a people committed to the church.
All:
O God, give us joy in serving Christ.
Leader: We gather as a people who proclaim the Good News. All:
In word and deed, your justice and compassion shine out, O God. Amen.
The Scripture
(Matthew 17: 1 – 9)
Narrator 1: Jesus took Peter, James, and his brother John and led them up on a high mountain by themselves. He was transfigured before their eyes. His face became as dazzling as the sun, his clothes bright as light. Suddenly Moses and Elijah appeared to them, conversing with him. Peter:
Lord, how good it is for us to be here. With your permission I will erect three tents here, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.
Narrator 2: Peter was still speaking when a bright cloud overshadowed them. Out of the cloud came a voice. Voice:
This is my beloved Son on whom my favour rests. Listen to him.
Narrator 1: When they heard this, the disciples fell forward on the ground, overcome with fear. Jesus came toward them and laid his hands on them. Jesus: Get up. Don’t be afraid. Narrator 2: As they went back down the mountain, Jesus ordered them – Jesus:
Don’t tell of the vision until the Son of Man rises from the dead.
The Focus
Go Up the Mountain
I wonder if Peter ever struggled with his faith before he died. After all he witnessed in Jesus’ life, I bet he still had days when faith didn’t make sense to him. If so, I bet his memories of Jesus – especially in this week’s Transfiguration – helped. Matthew writes that Peter, James, and John saw clearly how Jesus was the fulfilment of God’s promises to the world during a special spiritual experience with Jesus on a mountain. I’ve had ‘transfiguration’ experiences like that on retreats, during special Masses, or in prayer. During those times it seems clear to me that Jesus is the answer to all I’ve ever wanted. But I struggle with doubt sometimes, asking myself, ‘Is this God thing really true? Or am I kidding myself?’ That’s when the memories of my transfiguration experiences reassure me. They have gotten me through some tough times. Have you had a transfiguration experience – a time on retreat, during Mass, or in prayer when it seemed certain that Jesus is the one for you? If so, thank God. It will help in hard times. Write that experience down. That way you can remember it when doubts mount. If you haven’t had a transfiguration experience, ask God for one. Sign up for a retreat or extended community service trip. During it ask God to give you the clarity Peter, James, and John felt on that mountain. Or pray daily for the clarity to talk about your prayer with another person on the same Christian journey. Your transfiguration might happen slowly over time. Either way, I’m pretty sure a mountain is in your future. The Action Attempt to count how many advertisements you see and hear during a day. Which is your favourite? Which makes you want to buy? What product does the ad sell? What products set trends in your school? What do these products want young people to be? What slogans promote these products? Create a positive ad that affirms the ability of young people to work through their own identities. The Music Connection (Sunday’s Song) ‘LET THE RAIN’
Sara Bareilles
Kaleidoscope Heart (Sony Music Entertainment)
When Jesus shows his true self to his friends, they were amazed, scared, and confused. Sometimes fear can keep us from sharing our true selves with others. Let the Rain sings about this fear and the need to overcome it. Key lines:
And if I were fearless / Then I’d speak my truth / And the world would hear this / That’s what I wish I’d do, yeah / If my hands could hold them you’d see / I’d take all these secrets in me / And I’d move and mould them to be / Something I’d set free
What do you risk when you speak your truth? What do you gain? What is something you would like others to know about the ‘real’ you? Who do you feel safe sharing your secrets with? When is a time someone shared his or her true self with you? How did it make you feel? The Song Suggestions
(Song suggestions taken from ‘Spirit & Song’ Spirit & Song/OCP Publications)
BE MERCIFUL, O LORD (Steve Angrisano)
TRANSFIGURE US, O LORD (Bob Hurd)
The Commissioning Leader: This is new life;
All:
the old half-truths confronted.
Leader: This is new life;
All:
a leap of freedom taken.
Leader: This is new life;
All:
a hand stretched out through understanding, for friendship.
Leader: This is new life;
All:
the way of Jesus Christ risked. Amen.
The Question of the Week If a word or phrase from the Gospel grabs your heart: sit quietly for a few moments, repeating it to yourself and asking God to show you how it applies to your life. Perhaps even journal on the following question: • When have you felt most certain about your faith?
