Faith Sharing
Transfiguration (Year A)
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The Son of Man
How do you understand the phrase “Son of Man?” What images do you connect with the phrase?
Consider the image of the “Son of Man” in Daniel 7. How does it help you understand the Church’s teaching on the end of time? How could you use Daniel 7 in you prayer?
SOURCE: Word-Sunday Permission for use. All materials are the property of Larry Broding (Copyright 1999-2022). Viewers may copy any material for use in any non-profit ministry. Materials may not be sold or used for personal financial gain.
The Glory of the Lord
When you think of heaven, what images come to mind?
Reflect on a life in the hereafter. How would you approach the presence of God? What images come to mind?
SOURCE: Word-Sunday Permission for use. All materials are the property of Larry Broding (Copyright 1999-2022). Viewers may copy any material for use in any non-profit ministry. Materials may not be sold or used for personal financial gain.
The Power of Witness
Have you ever had doubts about your faith? What resolved your doubts?
How can your faith help others with their doubts? How can your witness and patient presence assist them to choose faith in Christ?
SOURCE: Word-Sunday Permission for use. All materials are the property of Larry Broding (Copyright 1999-2022). Viewers may copy any material for use in any non-profit ministry. Materials may not be sold or used for personal financial gain.
Seeing is Believing
What things continue to amaze people, in spite of scepticism?
How has God called to me in my life? What changes do I see now from his call?
How is God calling me now? What can I do to hear that call?
SOURCE: Word-Sunday Permission for use. All materials are the property of Larry Broding (Copyright 1999-2022). Viewers may copy any material for use in any non-profit ministry. Materials may not be sold or used for personal financial gain.
Bulletin Insert
OUR SUNDAY READINGS Discussion Questions
FIRST READING
The Book of Daniel is written to encourage Jewish people during a time of great persecution. Mighty armies,
Kings, powerful empires would cease and be silenced by the ‘Son of Man’. This is an enthronement vision of Jesus before God the Father. In the midst of super-powers and battles for resources and status do you view the world and history with ‘hope’ that the way of Jesus will be victorious? Ask God for what you need to help you grow in this mindset.
SECOND READING
The second reading is a testimony of what Peter, James and John experience when they are given the revelation of who Jesus truly is as the glorified beloved son of the Father. The three apostles did not share the experience at the request of Jesus, but they also did not fully comprehend its meaning until after the Resurrection. Describe a time you experienced something significant which took a long time to fully understand. What personal experience of God has helped you grow deeper in your faith or knowledge of God in your life over time? How much weight do we place on eyewitness testimony today? How does Peter’s eyewitness testimony impact your faith?
GOSPEL
A ‘mountain’ or ‘high place’ was symbolic of a place where one can ‘be in touch with God’. Where is a ‘place’
where you feel close to God and which helps you ‘listen’ to yourself and God
Jewish people remembered living in tents in the 40 years of wandering in the desert. They believed God would come among them and look after them again with the coming of the Messiah. They thought Moses or Elijah would come again. Peter acknowledges Jesus’ true identity. White symbolizes divinity and Jesus being truly God among us. What are you waiting for God to ‘do’ for you? Can you identify ways God is showing himself present and active now in your life?
SOURCE: Living the Word resources are created by Fr Frank Bird a Marist priest and Mrs Bev McDonald, ACSD, distributed by Marist Laity Auckland, NZ
GOSPEL
The transfiguration experience was one that, for Jesus, clarified his relation- ship with his Father and strengthened him for the future. What have been the experiences, the moments of insight, that have clarified your sense of who you are, and what is your relationship with God?
On the mountain the disciples saw Jesus in a new way. Sometimes in friend- ship there are moments of sharing in which we get to know a friend in a new and deeper way. Have you had that ex- perience in human friendship, or in your relationship with Jesus and God. Recall when that happened, and what it was like for you.
The clear vision of Jesus with Moses and Elijah was followed by a frightening experience of being in a cloud and it was in the midst of the cloud that the disciples were instructed “This is my Son, my Chosen; listen to him”. Have you had the experience of learning the truth about life and about your relation- ship with God from moments of confu- sion as well as from times of special joy?
After their special experience the dis- ciples came down the mountain again. We cannot live each day at the level of special spiritual experiences, but the memory of them can strengthen us in difficult times. What memories encour- age you in time of trouble?
SOURCE: Hearers of the Word
FIRST READING
Is “the one like a Son of man … [whose] dominion is an everlasting dominion … ” a foreshadowing of the “beloved Son” in the Gospel? The Gospel tells us to listen to him. Did he speak once for all time or does he continually speak?
What things have power over us in our life? Are they good things? Would we like to see some of them lose some of their hold?
SECOND READING
Peter’s letter suggests that his readers “will do well to be attentive” to the prophetic message that he, James, and John received at the transfiguration. Were these three disciples able to be attentive and listen when they were receiving that message? Are you always attentive to inspiration?
What are some “dark places” that could use “a lamp shining … until day dawns and the morning star rises in your heart”? (Examples: Immigration, clean water supply, environmental safely, political fairness, human trafficking, threats of nuclear weapons, homelessness, health care)
GOSPEL
In the Transfiguration the disciples were invited to behold Jesus in his glory––to stop talking and listen to him. Do you ask yourself every night if you saw or heard Jesus during the day?
SOURCE: Sunday Web Site at Saint Louis University
FIRST READING
None
SECOND READING
In the second reading, Peter is dealing with the challenge of people who look at Christian beliefs as empty fantasies. Do you personally know anyone who believes that Christian beliefs are silly? How might we deal with such people?
GOSPEL
The Apostles’ glimpse of Jesus’ glory sustained them in the dark times. What sustains you when life gets tough?
How can the use of words transform or deform us or others? To what extent do you try to affirm others?
Name one way you can act on today’s Scriptures. Suggestion: Be on the alert for glimpses of God’s glory in nature and in the events and encounters of daily life.
SOURCE: Ascension Catholic Parish, Melbourne, FL
Sunday Scripture Study
On finding one pearl of great price, he went and sold all that he had and bought it…
FIRST READING
Not Available for this week
SECOND READING
Not Available for this week
GOSPEL
Not Available for this week