Second Sunday of Lent – Year B (2021)

The readings for the 2nd Sunday of Lent make us think of God’s revelation of himself to us and how we recognize him. The first reading (Genesis 22:1-2, 9A, 10-13, 15-18) tells of how Abraham prepared to sacrifice his son Isaac, but God stopped him. The psalm (Psalm 116:10, 15, 16-17, 18-19) reminds us that we walk in the “land of the living”. The second reading (Romans 8:31B-34) tells us that Jesus intercedes for us. And in the gospel (Mark 9:2-10) tells of the Transfiguration, where the voice from the heavens revealed Jesus as God’s beloved son to Peter, James, and John.

Some possible themes for this weekend are prayer, listening to Jesus, and taking time away to encounter Jesus. Here are some ideas:

Make a Prayer Rock (VBS or Youth Ministry Activity)

A prayer rock is a simple way to remember to pray each day. Parents can lay them on their children's pillows so they remember to pray. Teens can keep them in their backpacks or lockers. Anyone can put them on a desk or carry a small one in a pocket or purse.

Paper Airplane Prayer (for Youth Ministry or VBS)

Paper airplane prayers are a way to offer prayers in a group setting. It works well for Vacation Bible School or youth group. It would also be appropriate for Children's Liturgy of the Word. It can be done indoors or outdoors.

Lenten Activities: Make Pretzels and Say a Prayer

The pretzel is a symbol of prayer. The twist in the pretzel is meant to look like hands in prayer. And pretzels are made with simple ingredients - no sugar, butter, eggs, milk, etc. Includes a prayer you can say together before you enjoy your pretzels. #Lent #recipe #prayer

Pray the Night Prayer from Liturgy of the Hours

The Night Prayer from the Liturgy of the Hours  is a really peaceful way to end my day. Some people feel like the Liturgy of the Hours is too "old fashioned" to use with teens and children, but I feel they can appreciate it.

Do Something Nice for the Environment

In his encyclical Laudato Si, Pope Francis urges us to be better stewards of the Earth, our common home.  All Catholics are called to practice environmental justice. So do something nice for the environment.

Lenten Activities: Go for a Quiet Walk

Consider going on a 30 minute walk as a Lenten activity. Turn off the music and walk in silence.  This is an especially powerful experience for teenagers, who have a lot of noise and distraction in their lives.  #Lent #GoForAWalk, #Silence

Make a Prayer Table in Your Home

A prayer table is a small sacred space in your home or classroom.  It can be a place to gather for prayer as a group or for individual prayer.

Lenten Activities: Fast on a Day Other Than Ash Wednesday or Good Friday

Catholics are required to fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. Adding another day of fasting is a way of practicing an additional sacrifice during Lent. You can decide to fast one day per week. (Friday would be a traditional choice for this.) Or you can just fast a single day or a few days of your choosing. #Lent #fasting

Lenten Activities: Give Up Candy and Soda for a Week

The three traditional Catholic practices during Lent are prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. Long term fasting during Lent can be difficult for young children. So instead of giving up something for all of Lent they can give up something different each week. #Lent

Transfiguration of the Lord

August 6 is the Feast of the Transfiguration. This day commemorates the day Jesus was transfigured on the mountain, traditionally thought to be Mount Tabor. This is recounted in the gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke. Peter, James, and John witnessed the event.

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.

Listen to Him

Then a cloud came, casting a shadow over them; from the cloud came a voice, “This is my beloved Son. Listen to him.” Suddenly, looking around, they no longer saw anyone but Jesus alone with them.