Preparation for Sunday mass: Matthew 17:1-9
We present here the text that will be read at Sunday mass, the Feast of the Transfiguration, and we formulate some questions that might help us prepare to hear the reading.
1 Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter and James and his brother John and led them up a high mountain, by themselves. 2 And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became dazzling white. 3 Suddenly there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him. 4 Then Peter said to Jesus, "Lord, it is good for us to be here; if you wish, I will make three dwellings here, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah." 5 While he was still speaking, suddenly a bright cloud overshadowed them, and from the cloud a voice said, "This is my Son, the Beloved; with him I am well pleased; listen to him!"
6 When the disciples heard this, they fell to the ground and were overcome by fear. 7 But Jesus came and touched them, saying, "Get up and do not be afraid." 8 And when they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus himself alone. 9 As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus ordered them, "Tell no one about the vision until after the Son of Man has been raised from the dead."
Questions for adults:
- What change overcame Jesus on the high mountain?
- Who are Moses and Elijah and why did they appear with Jesus on the high mountain?
- Why did Peter propose to erect dwellings (tents)?
Questions for kids:
- What happened to Jesus on the high mountain?
- What did the voice from the cloud say?
- Why did Jesus tell his disciples to tell nothing of what had happened?