2nd Sunday of Lent Year A (2023)
Resources, Prayers, Games, and Lesson Plans
More Thoughts and Reflection Questions
Mass Readings for the 2nd Sunday of Lent Year A
- First Reading – Genesis 12:1-4a: “I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, so that you will be a blessing.”
- Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 33: “Lord, let your mercy be on us, as we place our trust in you.”
- Second Reading – 2 Timothy 1:8b-10: “Bear your share of hardship for the gospel with the strength that comes from God.”
- Gospel – 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.”
Themes for the 2nd Sunday of Lent Year A
The readings for the 2nd Sunday of Lent focus on our personal encounter with God. The first reading tells of how Abraham encountered God and trusted in the call he heard. The psalm is ” Lord, let your mercy be on us, as we place our trust in you. “, which echoes the theme of trust heard in the first reading The second reading reminds us that God is always present in our lives, giving us strength. And in the gospel recounts the story of the Transfiguration, when Peter, James, and John encountered Jesus in all of his glory.
Some possible themes for this weekend are
- The call to holiness
- God keeps His promises
- Trust in God
- Coming down the mountain
See the Homilies and Reflections section and the More Thoughts section for further expansion on these readings and some reflection questions for the 2nd Sunday of Lent Year A.
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Resources for the 2nd Sunday of Lent Year A
Mountain Time – A Lesson Plan on Mountains in the Bible
This Mountain Time lesson plan on mountains in the Bible will help youth understand the significance of the many references to mountains in scripture. We will discuss why mountains are seen as a place to encounter God and think about how we can go to the mountaintop.
The Power of God
This prayer praises the power of God and the protection He gives us. It is based on Psalm 33, which is the responsorial psalm for the 2nd Sunday of Lent Year A.
The Transfiguration – Lego Video
This engaging video tells the story of the Transfiguration with Legos. Kids of all ages will appreciate this presentation of this passage from the Gospel.
Ups and Downs – Reflection and Discussion Questions
This reflection on the Transfiguration will help youth consider the ups and downs of life. Sometimes we are in a really great place, but eventually we have to come down the mountain.
Lenten Ideas for the 2nd Sunday of Lent Year A
Read About One Of The Saints
Saints are our Catholic heroes. They aren’t perfect, but they are beautiful examples of the path to holiness. So try reading about some of the saints. Our Catholic children need good role models.
Go to a Prayer Labyrinth
A prayer labyrinth is a circle with a path in it which you walk while you pray. The purpose of the labyrinth is to facilitate prayer. Several Catholic retreat centers in our area have prayer labyrinths on their grounds. They can be really effective for some youth with Autism or ADHD.
See More Lenten Ideas
See specific ideas for practicing prayer, fasting, and almsgiving during the Lenten season.
Homilies and Reflections for the 2nd Sunday of Lent Year A
Listening to a Higher Voice
From Bishop Robert Barron. “We see the beginning of God’s great rescue operation. And just as the trouble began when God’s human creatures refused to listen to the divine command, the solution began when one human being—a kind of new Adam—listened.”
Listen to Him
From Scott Hahn. “Today’s Gospel portrays Jesus as a new and greater Moses. Moses also took three companions up a mountain and on the seventh day was overshadowed by the shining cloud of God’s presence. He too spoke with God and his face and clothing were made radiant in the encounter.” Continue reading.
The Mystery of Light
Also from Bishop Barron. “On his way to Jerusalem, where he will be crucified, Jesus is transfigured before three of his disciples. This manifestation of glory, says Thomas Aquinas, was designed to encourage the disciples during the difficult days that would follow. It gives hope to us too. On the sometimes painful journey through this life, we see in the Transfiguration of the Lord a sign of what awaits us: a glorified life with God.”
On the Mountain
From Loyola Press. “For the second Sunday of Lent, we move from Jesus’ retreat to the desert to his Transfiguration. Each year on the first Sunday of Lent, our Gospel tells the story of Jesus’ temptation in the desert. On the second Sunday of Lent each year, we hear the story of Jesus’ Transfiguration.” Continue reading.
More Thoughts for the 2nd Sunday of Lent Year A
In the first reading, Abram is called by God to leave his home and kin and go to an unknown land. In an act of great trust, he obeys. He does not know what lies ahead, but he walks in faith. We must also walk in faith, especially during our Lenten journey. His faith is a result of his encounter with God.
In the transfiguration, Peter, James and John also encounter God. They experience the divine presence in the transformed Jesus Christ. The change in his face, which “shown like the sun” and his clothes which became “white as light” are a reference back to Moses appearance after receiving the Ten Commandments.
The transfiguration also foreshadows the resurrection of Jesus. In his appearance to Mary of Magdala at the tomb, he also had bright white clothes. And clearly something was significantly different about his appearance, for Mary did not recognize him.
Reflection Questions for the 2nd Sunday of Lent Year A
- Do I recognize Jesus when I encounter him?
- Am I open to being transformed?
- Can I think of a significant event where I encountered the divine presence?
Social Media Graphic for the 2nd Sunday of Lent Year A
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.”
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