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Dear
Sisters and Brothers in the Lord,
During the
third, fourth and fifth Sundays of Lent those parishes with adults
preparing for initiation into the church at Easter will celebrate
rituals called the "scrutinies" during Mass. They are part of a series
of rites belonging to the RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults)
that are celebrated during the season of Lent.
Some people
feel quite uncomfortable with the term "scrutiny". The word "scrutinize"
means to examine in minute detail. We may feel that it is intrusive or
hypocritical to pry into the lives and motives of those who wish to join
the church. Because of those misgivings, the term "rites of healing and
strengthening" is sometimes used instead. The ritual book says that the
purpose of the scrutinies is to "heal all that is weak, defective, or
sinful in the hearts of the elect" and "to give them strength in Christ,
who is the way, the truth, and the life". The rite also describes the
scrutinies as "rites for self-searching and repentance". (RCIA 128)
Every time
we celebrate the sacrament of baptism, we ask the questions, "Do you
renounce Satan… and all his works… and all his empty promises?" These
are serious questions. We should consider them carefully before
answering. And that is what the elect, those preparing to be baptized at
the Easter Vigil, spend much of Lent doing.
For those
who are making their final preparation for baptism, Lent is a time of
purification and enlightenment. In the light of God's Word, they examine
their lives and ask the entire Christian community to pray that whatever
is weak and sinful within them may be eliminated and that whatever is
good and holy may be affirmed.
After the
homily, in a litany of intercession, the power of Jesus over all sin is
proclaimed. A prayer is then said over the elect asking for their
deliverance and strengthening. The Presider, catechists, sponsors and
other members of the community may also lay their hands on the heads of
the elect in an ancient sign of forgiveness, healing and empowerment.
Because the entire community will renew its baptismal promises at
Easter, we all take this opportunity to examine our way of life and ask
ourselves whether we are truly living as Christ's disciples, as people
of the Gospel.
After the
homily, in a litany of intercession, the power of Jesus over all sin is
proclaimed. A prayer is then said over the elect asking for their
deliverance and strengthening. The Presider, catechists, sponsors and
other members of the community may also lay their hands on the heads of
the elect in an ancient sign of forgiveness, healing and empowerment.
Because the entire community will renew its baptismal promises at
Easter, we all take this opportunity to examine our way of life and ask
ourselves whether we are truly living as Christ's disciples, as people
of the Gospel.
When we,
and the elect, are asked at Easter to renounce Satan, evil works and
empty promises, our answer can be a thoughtful, strong and heartfelt "I
do".
Let give
our hearts and minds to the Lord this Lent. - Fr. Joe |
