Ups and Downs

For this opening game, you will need a large number of plastic cups, about one per player, and a clear playing area. Divide the group into two teams. One team will work to turn as many cups as possible right side up, while the other team tries to flip them upside down. After setting the cups randomly across the area, give the teams a set amount of time, like one or two minutes, to race and flip cups to their team’s position. When time is up, count how many cups are up and how many are down to see which team wins.

You can find the full instructions here: Cups and Downs Game Instructions.

Alright, everyone, let’s take a moment to think about that game we just played. You saw how quickly things could change. One moment a cup was right side up, and the next it was flipped over. You worked hard to change it back, but it didn’t always stay that way for long. That’s how life feels sometimes, doesn’t it? Things can change so fast, and we don’t always get to stay in the “up” moments as long as we want.

Think about your own life for a moment. There are times when everything feels good, and you feel happy and strong. But then there are times when things don’t go the way you hoped. Maybe you had a tough day at school, or something didn’t work out the way you wanted. Just like in the game, the ups and downs can come quickly, and you have to keep moving and trying, even when it feels hard.

But here’s something important to remember. In life, just like in the game, you’re not alone. You had a team working with you to flip those cups. In life, you also have people who care about you, and most importantly, you have God. He is with you in the ups, and He is with you in the downs. That’s what we’re going to talk about today—how God can help us through the rollercoaster of life and how remembering our “up” moments with Him can help us when we’re in a “down.”

Read the following gospel passage:

Mark 9:2-10 (The Transfiguration of our Lord) – the Gospel Reading for the 2nd Sunday of Lent – Year B

Jesus took Peter, James, and John and led them up a high mountain apart by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his clothes became dazzling white, such as no fuller on earth could bleach them.

Then Elijah appeared to them along with Moses, and they were conversing with Jesus.

Then Peter said to Jesus in reply, “Rabbi, it is good that we are here!Let us make three tents: one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” He hardly knew what to say, they were so terrified.

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.

As they were coming down from the mountain, he charged them not to relate what they had seen to anyone, except when the Son of Man had risen from the dead. So they kept the matter to themselves, questioning what rising from the dead meant.Mark 9:2-10

Imagine that you are with Peter, John and James. Jesus takes you on a hike up a mountain. It is a sunny day. There is a soft breeze blowing. It is nice to get away from the crowds and have a chance to spend some quiet time with Jesus.

Suddenly, something happens. Jesus becomes the brightest thing you have ever seen. Elijah and Moses, who are Old Testament superheroes, show up. Peter even suggests putting up some tents so you could just stay here. And then to top it all off, you hear the voice of the Father, calling Jesus “Beloved”.

And then it is just you and Jesus again. Jesus says, “Let’s go home. And don’t tell anyone about this.”

• What would your reaction be?
• Would you want to stay on the mountain a little longer and talk to Jesus about what happened?
• If you thought Jesus was just a man before, how would the transfiguration change your view of him?
• Would you be ready to go back down the mountain right away?

Now you are back in the local village. Once again, you are with the other apostles. All of the cares of daily life as a disciple of Jesus are right there with you. Somebody has to get food for the meal. Who is going to clean up afterwards? We are moving on to another town tomorrow, and we need to get our things packed up. The more you get caught up in the tasks of the day, the harder it is to remember your experience on the mountain.

The transfiguration of Jesus on the mountaintop helped the apostles understand that he was truly the Son of God, the Light of the World.

Think about your own life’s ups and downs. Moments when you felt incredibly close to God—how do they shape you, especially when you face hardships or mundane tasks? Just like the apostles, you might find that remembering these mountaintop experiences gives you strength and perspective. It’s not just about longing to go back but carrying forward what you’ve learned, letting those moments of closeness to God illuminate your path through darker or more ordinary times.

• Do you think in later days, when the authorities were closing in on Jesus, or later when the early Church was being persecuted, the memory of this experience helped the apostles?
• Can you think of a time when you felt especially close to God?
• Does remembering this experience help you when you experience hardship?

Retreats can often be mountaintop experiences. You can feel so close to Jesus and those around you that you are going to explode with energy. But then you have to go home and deal with homework and chores and siblings. But you will have other times when you feel especially close to God also. These are important also.

Remembering these mountaintop experiences can be really helpful. You can’t go back, but you can remember what you learned. And the memory can help you through more difficult events in your lives

When you move into small groups, remind everyone that this is a time to listen and share with respect. Encourage each person to talk, but no one should feel forced to share more than they want. Remind them that what is said in the group should stay in the group, so everyone feels safe to speak. Give each person enough time to answer, and avoid rushing the conversation.

• What was a high point for you this past week, and why did it feel so good?
• What was a low point for you this past week, and how did you handle it?
• Have you ever had a time when you felt very close to God? What made that moment special?
• How do you keep your faith strong when life feels ordinary or difficult?
• Why do you think Jesus wanted the apostles to wait before telling others about the Transfiguration?
• Do you think remembering good times with God can help when you feel down? How?
• What is one way you can remind yourself of God’s presence during a normal day, like at school or at home?

This week, think about a time when you felt really close to God. It might have been at a retreat, during prayer, or even in a quiet moment at home. It was a time when your faith felt strong and real, like you could almost feel God right there with you.

Close your eyes and try to picture that moment. What did you see around you? What sounds did you hear? Was there a smell or something you touched that you remember? Try to feel it again, just like you did then.

Don’t just think about it for a moment and move on. Hold on to that feeling of being close to God. Keep it in your heart as you go through this week.

When things are hard or when life feels boring, remember that moment. Let it remind you that God is still with you, even on the tough days. That closeness you felt is real, and God hasn’t gone anywhere.

Let’s take a moment to pray together.

Loving God, we thank You for being with us in every part of our lives. You are with us in the highs, when everything feels great, and You are with us in the lows, when things are hard. Help us to remember that You never leave us.

Lord, thank You for the moments when we feel close to You, like the disciples did on the mountain. Those times give us hope. Help us to carry those memories in our hearts, so they can guide us and give us strength when life feels tough.

Holy Spirit, be with us this week. Help us to see You in the small things and to trust You in the hard things. Give us peace and joy, even when things are not easy.

We ask this through Jesus, Your Son, who loves us and walks with us every day. Amen.

Themes

• God is always present: God is with us in both happy and hard times. He does not leave us when life feels difficult. Remembering this gives us peace and hope.
• Jesus is the Son of God: The Transfiguration shows us that Jesus is truly God’s Son. The Father calls Him “beloved.” This reminds us to listen to Him and follow His teaching.
• Faith grows in struggles: Hard times can help us grow closer to God. When we trust Him during challenges, our faith becomes stronger. These moments can teach us patience and hope.
• Special moments with God matter: Times when we feel close to God help us later. They remind us of His love when life feels hard. These memories can give us courage.
• Community supports us: Sharing our ups and downs with others helps us feel less alone. Listening to others builds trust and friendship. We are meant to help each other in faith.
• God gives us strength: God gives us the strength we need to face life’s struggles. Even when we feel weak, His love is steady. We can ask Him for help every day.
• Everyday life is holy: Faith is not just for special times. God is with us in chores, school, and simple tasks. We can follow Him in all we do.
• Listening to Jesus matters: The Father told the disciples to listen to Jesus. We should pay attention to His words in scripture and prayer. His teaching helps guide our choices.
• Hope comes from God: Even when life feels like it is falling apart, God gives us hope. He promises to be with us always. Trusting Him brings peace in hard times.
• God reveals His love: The Transfiguration shows how much God loves us by sending His Son. Jesus shines with God’s glory to help us believe. This love is for every person.
• Sharing faith builds others: Talking about God’s work in our lives encourages others. It helps them see that He is real and active. Our stories can give others hope.

Background Material

This lesson plan is based on the story of the Transfiguration of Jesus in Mark 9:2-10. It is also found in Matthew 17:1-9 and Luke 9:28-36. The Transfiguration is an important moment in Jesus’ life. It shows His glory and reveals that He is truly the Son of God. Peter, James, and John see Jesus shining with light, and they hear God’s voice saying, “This is my beloved Son. Listen to him.” This reminds us that Jesus is more than a teacher or prophet. He is the Son of God, and His words are life-giving.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church explains why the Transfiguration is important. It says, “Christ’s Transfiguration aims at strengthening the apostles’ faith in anticipation of his Passion: the ascent onto the ‘high mountain’ prepares for the ascent to Calvary” (CCC 568). Jesus gives His friends this amazing experience before His suffering and death. He wants them to remember this moment when things get hard. It is a gift of hope and courage for them.

This fits with how we live our faith. We all have “mountaintop” experiences when we feel very close to God. It might be during prayer, at Mass, or on a retreat. These moments remind us that God is real and that His love is strong. But like the disciples, we must also return to our everyday lives. We go back to our chores, school, and struggles. Remembering those times of closeness to God helps us stay strong when life feels difficult.

The Bible reminds us that God is with us in both the good and bad times. In Deuteronomy 31:6 we hear, “Be strong and steadfast. Do not fear or be dismayed, for it is the Lord, your God, who marches with you; He will never fail you or forsake you.” This is the same message the apostles had to hold onto when they faced fear and confusion later. We too are called to trust that God is with us, no matter what we feel.

The lesson also teaches about community. The apostles experienced this together. Faith is not something we live alone. Saint Paul reminds us in 1 Thessalonians 5:11, “Encourage one another and build one another up.” Talking about our ups and downs with others helps us see God’s work in every part of life. It also helps us support each other in faith.

The Ups and Downs Lesson Plan gives youth a way to practice this. It helps them see how God is present in daily life. It also helps them share their joys and struggles with others. Like the apostles, they learn to hold onto moments of grace and let those memories give them hope when life is hard. This is the heart of Catholic teaching: God is always with us, guiding us and loving us, in both the ups and downs of life.

Music Suggestions

• Transfigure Us O Lord
• How Great Is Our God
• I Surrender
• Shine Jesus Shine
• Christ In Me Arise