Our Sabbath Scripture Stories – 2nd Sunday of Lent – Cycle A

Read or listen to this Sunday’s Mass readings here.

  • Genesis 12:1-4a
  • 2 Timothy 1:8b-10
  • Matthew 17:1-9

The kids came into the living room after breakfast this Sunday morning and KNEW what was going on.  On the floor were scattered white and colored garment cloths, a cut-out figure of a cloud, and seven large halogen flashlights (those are the kind with the brilliant, high-powered light).

“I already know what we’re doing!” Vincent laughed. “I think it’s another presentation of ‘The Pauline Family Gospel Action Theater’!”

“Absolutely right!” Dad chuckled.  “We have an exciting Gospel reading to act out this morning.  It’s one of my favorites.  This is the Holy Gospel that tells of the Transfiguration of Jesus to Peter, James, and John.”

Mom started rushing about, throwing cloths for robes over the kids.  Vincent wore a white robe as Jesus.  Hillary and Baby Ben had the parts of Moses and Elijah.  Mary Clare was dressed as Peter, Lucy as James, and Mom as John.  Dad was going to be the narrator.  Everyone was then given a flashlight that they held on to until Dad gave the cue.

“Are we ready to begin?” Dad asked his troupe.

“Oh … not yet … ” Mom said.  She ran and picked up the cardboard cloud and went into the other room.  She returned a few minutes later, laughing.

“Okay,” she said.  “NOW we’re ready.”

Dad smiled knowingly, then began, “ ‘After six days Jesus took Peter, James, and John his brother, and led them up a high mountain by themselves.’ ”  (Matthew 17:1)    At that point, Vincent, Lucy, and Mom marched into the living room.  They stopped with Vincent in the middle of the room.

“Okay, NOW!” Dad commanded, as he continued reading, ” ‘And he was transfigured before them.’ “  (Matthew 17:2a) 

Every flashlight in the room beamed on, all shining on Vincent as Jesus.  In his white robe, and with the intense light, Vincent DID appear dazzling!

Dad read, ” ‘His face shone like the sun and his clothes became white as light.  And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, conversing with him.‘ ”  (Matthew 17:2b-3)    Hillary and Ben took their spots.  “Then Peter said to Jesus in reply, “Lord, it is good that we are here!” ‘ “  (Matthew 17:4a) 

Dad started to smile.  Then he said, “Saint!  Here, boy!”  To the delight of the entire family, Saint, the Saint Bernard dog, came in as he was commanded.  On his back was strapped the large cardboard cloud.

Dad chuckled as he kept reading, “ ’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.” ‘ “  (Matthew 17:5) 

Saint stood proudly as the rest of the Scripture passage was acted out.  Dad instructed Peter, James, and John to fall to the ground as he read, “ ‘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.” ‘ “  (Matthew 17:6-7) 

Vincent, as Jesus, went over and stood in front of Peter, James, and John, and began nudging them to get up.  Dad finished, “ ‘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.” ‘ “  (Matthew 17:8-9) 

Ta-da!  Another successful “Pauline Family Gospel Action Theater.”

“That was great, Dad!” Vincent said.  “That was really neat how the flashlights all shined on me!  But, can you imagine how much brighter and more dazzling Jesus actually was?”

“I would guess that it’s even beyond our imagination!” Dad answered him.

“You were all great!” Mom added.  “And a special ‘thank you’ to our star cloud, Saint!”

“Ruff!” Saint yelped, acknowledging all the applause and hugs from everyone. 

Yes, a star (or should I say, a cloud) is born every minute!

Would you prefer a print a copy of this story?

Cycle A, 2 Lent, SSSDownload

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