Fr Joshua Liew explains the implication of Jesus asking water from the Samaritan woman in John’s Gospel during the first scrutiny
By Catherine Wan
Mar 10 2021
KOTA KINABALU – Prior to baptism before Easter, the Elects of Sacred Heart Cathedral parish accompanied by their sponsors, celebrated the First Scrutiny on Mar 8. They would undergo two more Scrutinies on Mar 15 and Mar 22.
The scrutiny was conducted in the respective languages (BM, Chinese and English) at different venues of the parish. The ritual in Chinese was celebrated by parish priest Fr Paul Lo, while the BM by Fr Sunny Chung, and the English rite by Fr Joshua Liew.
Altogether there were 53 BM speaking Elects, 13 elects from English RCIA and nine Elects from Chinese RCIA.
In the past, the scrutinies were usually held on the third, fourth and fifth Sundays of Lent during Sunday Mass. Due to the ongoing SOP protocol, the Rite of Scrutinies would be celebrated apart from the Sunday Mass.
The scrutinies help the Elect in examining their lives – a process of self-searching and repentance, as well as to pray for the grace to overcome the power of sin that infects their hearts. During the ritual, they are also taught the Creed and the Lord’s Prayer.
Besides, the scrutinies are meant to uncover, heal all that is weak, defective, or sinful in the hearts of the elect; to bring out, strengthen all that is upright, strong, and good. Hence, they 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. These rites, therefore, should complete the conversion of the Elect and deepen their resolve to hold fast to Christ and to carry out their decision to love God above all.
