Third Scrutiny

My dear friends in Christ,

This Fifth Sunday of Lent is also the Third Scrutiny for Catechumens in RCIA. These individuals challenge us in our own belief as their excitement grows to receive the life of Christ in the sacraments. Today’s Gospel challenges us in our own belief. Martha states publicly, “I have come to believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God” (John 11: 27). However, Mary doubts as she says, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died” (John 11:32). The challenge now becomes, “Are you a Mary or will you be like Martha?” St. Irenaeus wrote in a treatise Against Heresies, “God bore with man patiently when he fell because he foresaw the victory that would be his through the Word.” God loved us so much He sent Jesus to save us and give us eternal life. Do you believe this?

Next Sunday is Palm Sunday. We will have the Solemn Blessing of the Palm at the 4:00pm Vigil Mass on Saturday. The blessing of the palm will take place outside of the rear of the Church. We will then process in with palms held high. For those who wish to remain in Church, Ushers will distribute a strand of palm so that all will be able to hold palm during the entrance procession. Ushers will place more palm on tables at the entrances of the Church after Communion for those who wish to take more.

Please refer to the bulletin for a complete list of the Holy Week Schedule. A sign-up sheet is posted near the Book of Petitions for those who wish to have their feet washed at the Mass of the Lord’s Supper on Holy Thursday.

May God bless you all!

Father John