August

The Transfiguration--August 6

On the feast of the Transfiguration we celebrate the glorification of the appearance of the Lord before his death and resurrection in Jerusalem. It took place in the presence of Peter, James and John. While they were praying Jesus' face shown like the sun and his clothes became dazzlingly white.  Beside him there appeared Moses and Elijah conversing with him. Suddenly the voice of the Father announced: "This is my Son. My Chosen One. Listen to Him." The apostles fell prostrate. When they looked up Jesus was alone. He told them not to tell anyone what they had seen until after he had risen from the dead. The dramatic Transfiguration scene gave the apostles a glimpse of who Jesus of Nazareth really was. It prepared them for the shocking events that were soon to come in Holy Week.

Luke 9:28-36
Mark 9:2-10
Matthew 17:1-9

Transfiguration Play

Characters:
Jesus
Peter
James
John
Moses
Elijah
Father's voice

As the following narrative is read act out the parts. Learn the words beforehand:

The Gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke record the marvelous event of the Lord's Transfiguration. Before he suffered and died, he let three of his apostles see him shining with great glory. He did this to make their belief in him stronger.

Jesus took Peter, James and John with him up Mount Tabor which stands in the middle of Galilee. When they were by themselves, suddenly the Lord's face began to shine bright like the sun. His robes became white as snow. The apostles were speechless. As they watched, two famous prophets of old, Elijah and Moses, appeared. They were talking with Jesus. Imagine the joy those apostles felt. "Lord," said St. Peter, "it is good for us to be here. If you want, let us set up three tents here--one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah." Peter really did not know what to say, because he was trembling with wonder and fear. As he was talking, a bright cloud overshadowed them. From it the voice of God the Father came, saying, "This is my beloved Son-, hear him."

When they heard that, the apostles were so struck with fear that they fell on their faces. Then Jesus came near and touched them. "Arise," he said. "Do not be afraid." When they looked up, they saw no one but Jesus. As they came down the mountain, Jesus told them not to tell anyone what they had seen until he had risen from the dead. They did not understand what he meant by these words then. But after his glorious resurrection on Easter Sunday, they would realize what Jesus had meant.

Jesus In My Life

Keep a piece of paper with you and write down all the times you think of Jesus. Another day, write down all the times you needed Jesus. Think of a short prayer you could remember to say or a small picture you could carry around that would remind you of the presence of Jesus in your life.

The Assumption--August 15th

This feast of Mary celebrates a special privilege of Mary, Our Mother. The Assumption means that she entered into the glory of heaven not only with her soul, but also with her body. The Son of God took his body from Mary's pure womb. It was fitting, then, that her body should be glorified as soon as her life here on earth was ended.

Now Mary is in heaven. She is queen of heaven and earth. She is the Mother of Jesus' Church and queen of apostles. Every time Mary asks Jesus to give us graces, he listens to her request.

After the resurrection from the dead, we, too, can go to heaven with our bodies. If we use our bodies now to do good, those bodies will share in our heavenly reward.

After the resurrection, our bodies will be perfect. They will not be subject to illness anymore. They will not need any more food and drink to keep alive. They will be able to go every place without time or effort. They will be beautiful and splendid! Mary's Assumption body and soul into heaven is a dogma of faith. This wonderful truth was proclaimed by Pope Pius XII on November 1, 1950.

It is so wonderful to be able to think that we have a special Mother in heaven. She really does love us. She is there for us whenever we call to her in prayer We can whisper a Hail Mary often throughout the day.

Assumption Party

In your home, you can throw  an Assumption Party. This great feast of Mary is also our feast. Mary obtains graces for us. We too will one day join her in heaven. Have balloons and a cake and music. Read the story of the Assumption above together. Pass out pictures of Mary assumed into heaven to everyone. In an age when people easily get depressed, feel alienated and disconnected from others, don't fit into society, too quickly wish to end their lives, this can be a time when we celebrate the purpose of our lives, the hope of heaven, the intercession and motherly care of Mary.

The Transfiguration--August 6

On the feast of the Transfiguration we celebrate the glorification of the appearance of the Lord before his death and resurrection in Jerusalem. It took place in the presence of Peter, James and John. While they were praying Jesus' face shown like the sun and his clothes became dazzlingly white.  Beside him there appeared Moses and Elijah conversing with him. Suddenly the voice of the Father announced: "This is my Son. My Chosen One. Listen to Him." The apostles fell prostrate. When they looked up Jesus was alone. He told them not to tell anyone what they had seen until after he had risen from the dead. The dramatic Transfiguration scene gave the apostles a glimpse of who Jesus of Nazareth really was. It prepared them for the shocking events that were soon to come in Holy Week.

Luke 9:28-36
Mark 9:2-10
Matthew 17:1-9

Transfiguration Play

Characters:
Jesus
Peter
James
John
Moses
Elijah
Father's voice

As the following narrative is read act out the parts. Learn the words beforehand:

The Gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke record the marvelous event of the Lord's Transfiguration. Before he suffered and died, he let three of his apostles see him shining with great glory. He did this to make their belief in him stronger.

Jesus took Peter, James and John with him up Mount Tabor which stands in the middle of Galilee. When they were by themselves, suddenly the Lord's face began to shine bright like the sun. His robes became white as snow. The apostles were speechless. As they watched, two famous prophets of old, Elijah and Moses, appeared. They were talking with Jesus. Imagine the joy those apostles felt. "Lord," said St. Peter, "it is good for us to be here. If you want, let us set up three tents here--one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah." Peter really did not know what to say, because he was trembling with wonder and fear. As he was talking, a bright cloud overshadowed them. From it the voice of God the Father came, saying, "This is my beloved Son-, hear him."

When they heard that, the apostles were so struck with fear that they fell on their faces. Then Jesus came near and touched them. "Arise," he said. "Do not be afraid." When they looked up, they saw no one but Jesus. As they came down the mountain, Jesus told them not to tell anyone what they had seen until he had risen from the dead. They did not understand what he meant by these words then. But after his glorious resurrection on Easter Sunday, they would realize what Jesus had meant.

Jesus In My Life

Keep a piece of paper with you and write down all the times you think of Jesus. Another day, write down all the times you needed Jesus. Think of a short prayer you could remember to say or a small picture you could carry around that would remind you of the presence of Jesus in your life.

The Assumption--August 15th

This feast of Mary celebrates a special privilege of Mary, Our Mother. The Assumption means that she entered into the glory of heaven not only with her soul, but also with her body. The Son of God took his body from Mary's pure womb. It was fitting, then, that her body should be glorified as soon as her life here on earth was ended.

Now Mary is in heaven. She is queen of heaven and earth. She is the Mother of Jesus' Church and queen of apostles. Every time Mary asks Jesus to give us graces, he listens to her request.

After the resurrection from the dead, we, too, can go to heaven with our bodies. If we use our bodies now to do good, those bodies will share in our heavenly reward.

After the resurrection, our bodies will be perfect. They will not be subject to illness anymore. They will not need any more food and drink to keep alive. They will be able to go every place without time or effort. They will be beautiful and splendid! Mary's Assumption body and soul into heaven is a dogma of faith. This wonderful truth was proclaimed by Pope Pius XII on November 1, 1950.

It is so wonderful to be able to think that we have a special Mother in heaven. She really does love us. She is there for us whenever we call to her in prayer We can whisper a Hail Mary often throughout the day.

Assumption Party

In your home, you can throw  an Assumption Party. This great feast of Mary is also our feast. Mary obtains graces for us. We too will one day join her in heaven. Have balloons and a cake and music. Read the story of the Assumption above together. Pass out pictures of Mary assumed into heaven to everyone. In an age when people easily get depressed, feel alienated and disconnected from others, don't fit into society, too quickly wish to end their lives, this can be a time when we celebrate the purpose of our lives, the hope of heaven, the intercession and motherly care of Mary.