Primary Session
Matthew 17:1-9
Opening Prayer
Let us pray.
Dear God,
Thank you for loving us so much
that you sent Jesus to help us know you better.
Thank you for showing us who you are
and how much you love us.
Amen.
Opening Life Reflection
Invite the children to think of a time when someone they know shared a really good secret or good news. Be prepared to share an example of your own. (For example, they were going on a fun vacation, a loved one was having a baby or getting married, or they were having their favorite meal for dinner.)
Then invite the children to respond to the following questions:
- What was it like to learn such exciting news?
- What did you want to do after hearing such great news?
- If the person asked you to keep the good news a secret, was that easy or hard for you? Why?
Listening to the Word of God
In today’s Gospel, Jesus reveals to his disciples that he is the Son of God. Listen to see how they responded to this news.
Proclaim Matthew 17:1-9.
Allow time for silent reflection.
Scripture Discussion Starters
- What happens when the disciples go up on the mountain with Jesus?
- Who do the disciples see with Jesus on the mountain?
- What does the voice in the cloud say to the disciples? What do you think that means?
Scripture Background
Provide 2-3 minutes of background information on the Gospel.
In today’s Gospel, Jesus leads Peter, James, and John up a high mountain. Mountains are often places of prayer, and—in the Old Testament—places where people meet God. Jesus’ face and clothes shine bright as light, and the disciples see him with Moses and Elijah. Moses represents the law from the Old Testament, and Elijah represents the prophets. The voice of God, coming from the cloud, reveals that Jesus is his Son, and that they should listen to him. Moses and Elijah disappear, suggesting that everything the law and prophets revealed about God is revealed in Jesus.
Questions for Deeper Reflection
- Why do you think Jesus showed his disciples that he is the Son of God?
- Why do you think the disciples were afraid?
- Why do you think Jesus told them not to tell anyone else?
[If you are not going to continue with the doctrinal discussion, proceed to the Gospel in Life.]
Doctrinal Discussion Starters
Visions and Private Revelations
The Catholic Church teaches that Jesus Christ alone reveals all that God wants us to know about God. Everything about Jesus—his life, mission, suffering, Death, Resurrection, and Ascension—reveals the Father’s love through the Holy Spirit. God is still revealed to people, sometimes in quiet words or ideas, and sometimes in big visions. These experiences don’t reveal anything new about God; Jesus has already revealed all that God chooses to communicate to us about our salvation. Rather, these experiences help people understand what is communicated through Jesus.
The Gospel in Life
This week, ask Jesus to help you see God’s presence around you. When you see a picture, drawing, statue, or other image of Jesus, think about what that image shows you about God’s love.
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