Opening Game
Mountaintop Mayhem
This game is silly, active, and ties into the mountain theme of the Transfiguration. You’ll need some plastic cups, shaving cream, and cheese balls (or mini marshmallows). Set up a “mountaintop” by placing an upside-down plastic cup on the heads of a few volunteers (three is a good number). Spray a generous pile of shaving cream on top of each cup. Then, choose partners to stand a few feet away and toss cheese balls or marshmallows, trying to stick them onto the shaving cream. Give each team 60 seconds. The team with the most stuck wins. Have paper towels and trash bags ready for cleanup!
Follow-up Questions for Debrief:
- What was harder than you expected?
- Did anything unexpected happen during the game?
- What would help you hit the target better next time?
That was a wild game—and a little messy! You had to aim carefully, and sometimes the cheese balls didn’t stick no matter how good the throw. Life can feel like that too. We try to focus, but it doesn’t always go as planned.
In today’s story, something totally unexpected happens to the disciples. They follow Jesus up a mountain, thinking it’s just another day. But suddenly, they see him like never before. It’s confusing, amazing, and even a little scary.
Let’s slow down now and hear that story. As you listen, imagine you are on the mountain with Peter, James, and John. Think about what you would feel. What would you say? And what would it mean to see Jesus in such a new way?
Scripture Reading
Read Matthew 17:1-9 (The Transfiguration), the Gospel for the 2nd Sunday of Lent Year A:
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.
And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, conversing with him. Then Peter said to Jesus in reply, “Lord, it is good that we are here. If you wish, I will make three tents here, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.”
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.”
When the disciples heard this, they fell prostrate and were very much afraid. But Jesus came and touched them, saying, “Rise, and do not be afraid.”
And when the disciples raised their eyes, they saw no one else but Jesus alone.
As they were coming down from the mountain, Jesus charged them, “Do not tell the vision to anyone until the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.”
Discussion
Let’s take a closer look at what happens in Matthew 17:1-9. Jesus takes three of his closest friends—Peter, James, and John—up a high mountain. This wasn’t just a hike. Something amazing happens there. Jesus is transfigured, which means his appearance changes. His face shines like the sun, and his clothes become dazzling white. Then, out of nowhere, two great figures from the Old Testament appear: Moses and Elijah. They begin talking with Jesus. And finally, a bright cloud covers them all, and a voice speaks from the cloud: “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased. Listen to him.”
That’s a lot to take in. But let’s break it down. Why Moses and Elijah? Moses represents the Law—the commandments and the covenant God gave to his people. He led the Israelites out of slavery and gave them God’s instructions for living. Elijah represents the Prophets—those who spoke for God and called the people back when they strayed. The Law and the Prophets were the heart of the Jewish faith. Every Jew would have known that. So when Moses and Elijah appear beside Jesus, it’s not just a cool moment—it’s a message.
This moment is saying that Jesus is the one they were all waiting for. He is the fulfillment of everything Moses taught. He is the answer to the hopes Elijah spoke about. The Law and the Prophets were pointing to something greater. That “greater” is Jesus. He isn’t just another teacher or another prophet. He is the Son of God. That’s why the voice from the cloud doesn’t say, “Listen to Moses and Elijah.” It says, “Listen to him.” God is telling us clearly: Jesus is the one we need to follow.
Now, maybe you’re thinking, “Okay, but what does this have to do with me?” A lot, actually. We live in a noisy world. People are always talking—on social media, at school, even in our own families. Everyone has opinions. Everyone has advice. Sometimes it’s hard to know who to listen to. This story reminds us to listen to Jesus. He is the one who really knows us. He’s not guessing. He’s not pretending. He is the beloved Son of God, and he speaks truth.
Listening to Jesus doesn’t mean we hear his voice out loud. But we can hear him in other ways. We hear him when we read the Gospels. We hear him in quiet prayer. We hear him through the teachings of the Church. We hear him when we spend time with people who live with faith and love. If we take time to listen, we will learn how to live. We will learn how to love better. We will understand more clearly who we are and why we’re here.
The Transfiguration also tells us something about our own lives. Like the disciples, we all have moments when we get to see a little more of God’s glory. Sometimes it’s during a retreat. Sometimes it’s when we’re praying. Sometimes it’s just a quiet moment when we feel close to God. Those moments don’t last forever. But they are real. And they help us keep going. They help us trust that Jesus is with us, even when things get hard.
Remember this: Jesus didn’t come to erase the old ways. He came to complete them. He came to make the whole story come alive. That story includes you. When you read the Bible, you’re not just reading history. You’re seeing the big picture of God’s love. And at the center of it all is Jesus. So when you’re confused, or lost, or unsure—go back to the mountain. Picture Jesus shining in glory. Picture the voice from the cloud. And remember what it said.
Listen to him.
Small Group Reflection Questions
After the main teaching, divide the youth into small groups for discussion. Try to keep the groups small enough so that everyone gets a chance to talk. Remind participants that this is a safe space. No one is forced to share, but everyone is invited. Encourage open hearts and respectful listening. Let the Holy Spirit guide the conversation. You don’t need to have all the answers—this is about listening, reflecting, and growing together.
- What part of the Transfiguration story stands out most to you, and why?
- Why do you think Peter wanted to stay on the mountain?
- Have you ever had a moment when God felt especially close? What was it like?
- What do you think it means to “listen to Jesus” in your everyday life?
- Why do you think Jesus is called the “fulfillment” of the Law and the Prophets?
- How does knowing Jesus completes the story of the Bible change how you read Scripture?
- What do you find hardest about trusting or listening to Jesus?
- What can help you hear God’s voice more clearly in your life right now?
- What is one thing you feel called to do after hearing this story?
Challenge
This week, your challenge is to take time to really listen to Jesus. That might sound hard, but it just means making space for him in your day. He doesn’t always speak in big, dramatic ways. Often, he speaks through quiet moments, through Scripture, or through something simple that just sticks with you. Choose one way this week to pause and listen. You might spend five quiet minutes in prayer, read a short Gospel passage each day, or write in a journal about what you think Jesus might be saying to you.
Also, try to live out what you hear. If Jesus teaches love, then look for one way each day to be kind—especially to someone you usually overlook. If he says, “Don’t be afraid,” then take one small step toward something that scares you but is good for you—like reaching out to someone or speaking the truth. Keep your eyes and ears open. Jesus is still speaking. Are you ready to listen?
Prayer
Let’s take a moment to quiet our hearts and pray together.
Jesus, you are the Son of God, the one the Father tells us to listen to.
Thank you for showing your glory to Peter, James, and John on the mountain.
Thank you for reminding us that you are the fulfillment of all God’s promises.
Sometimes we don’t know who to listen to.
Sometimes we are too busy, too distracted, or too unsure.
Help us this week to slow down and listen to you.
Help us hear your voice in Scripture, in prayer, and in the people you place in our lives.
Remind us that we are not alone.
Even when we are afraid, you are close.
Even when we come down from the mountain, you walk with us.
Jesus, we want to follow you.
Help us to see you, hear you, and trust you more each day.
Amen.
More Resources for the Jesus Is the Fulfillment Transfiguration Lesson Plan
See https://young-catholics.com/83681/jesus-is-the-fulfillment-transfiguration-lesson-plan/ for more information and resources.