The First Scrutiny

Congratulations to those in our RCIA programs who have recently become the "Elect." In recent weeks, many dioceses have celebrated the Rite of Election. I have four individuals who will receive full communion at the Easter Vigil (Confirmation and Holy Communion). The Diocese of Salina, Kansas is divided into four vicariates (East, East Central, West Central, West). Last Sunday, our vicariate went to the cathedral in Salina to celebrate the Rite of Election. This weekend, the Third Sunday of Lent, we begin the Scrutinies for those in the RCIA process. These next three weeks are a time to really examine our lives, to scrutinize them, and ready ourselves for the coming feast of Easter. We will listen to the gospel readings that will help us to examine our lives more deeply. Since we are in the "A" Cycle of readings, everyone will listen to these gospels. The gospel for this weekend is, John 4:5-42, the woman at the well. I am also continuing my series on the Sacrament of Reconciliation this weekend and focusing on the role of the confessor. Jesus is a great example for us as priests on how to be confessors and how we can treat those that come to us with mercy, love, compassion, genleness, and patience. In the gospel, Jesus tells the woman what she has done in her life because that is what she tells the people when she goes back to town, "He told me everything I have done." Our Lord was thirsting for her faith. He wanted her to drink from the living water that only he can give. That invitation is given to us in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Come to Jesus, the living water, wash your sins away in his redeeming love, and feel the mercy and forgiveness that he gives. Let us listen to the gospel for this weekend and use it in our time of prayer. We can receive the living water that this Samaritan woman received, all we have to do is accept Jesus' invitation to come to the water and drink. Have a blessed weekend!!!