Elect undergo first scrutiny

KOTA KINABALU – Over a thousand elect (catechumens become “elect” after the Rite of Election on the First Sunday of Lent Feb 14) in the Kota Kinabalu  Archdiocese underwent their first scrutiny on 28 Feb 2016, Third Sunday of Lent.  There are three such scrutinies.

The scrutinies are meant to uncover, then heal all that is weak, defective, or sinful in the hearts of the elect; to bring out, then strengthen all that is upright, strong, and good. For the scrutinies are celebrated in order to deliver the elect from the power of sin and Satan, to protect them against temptation, and to give them strength in Christ, who is the way, the truth, and the life. (RCIA , 141)

The celebrations of the three scrutinies on the third, fourth and fifth Sundays of Lent are at the core of the lenten journey of conversion not only for the elect but also for the entire parish who walks with them.  The scrutinies are perhaps the simplest in structure of all the various rites that are celebrated as part of the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA).

Following the proclamation of the word and the homily, the elect are called forward.  Once they bow their heads, all pray in silence for some time.  Then the intercessions for the elect are read.  The exorcism is then prayed.  Finally, the elect are sent forth from the assembly to reflect on the word proclaimed and the rite celebrated.

The second scrutiny will take place next Sunday, March 6, the fourth Sunday of Lent.