1st Rite of Scrutiny

On this 3rd Sunday of Lent, the first of three Rites of Scrutiny is celebrated during 9:30am Mass as part of the Christian Initiation of Adults. The 2nd and 3rd Scrutiny are celebrated on the 4th and 5th Sundays. During Masses incorporating these Rites, the Year A gospels from St John are proclaimed:

3rd Sunday: Jesus and the Samaritan Woman (Jn 4:5-42) – Jesus is the water of life.

4th Sunday: healing the man born blind (Jn 9:1-41) – Jesus is the light of the world.

5th Sunday: raising Lazarus (Jn 11:1-45) – Jesus is life over death.

Each Rite follows a similar pattern. After prayers of intercession for the Elect (non-baptised), the Priest leads an Exorcism Prayer, asking God to inspire them to turn away from sin and so embrace the Gospel more freely and wholeheartedly. He places his hand on each in the ancient gesture of Laying Hands (Lk 4:40; Ac 13:13; 19:6; 28:8). The Elect leave the assembly with their companions to reflect on the gospel. They will join the congregation fully for the first time on Easter Saturday night when initiated into the Church. While the Elect are the primary subjects of each Scrutiny, all the faithful are expected to participate actively and in solidarity with them by scrutinising, repenting and re-newing their own faith commitment. In this way, the Elect witness to the whole faith community.