Lent: Purification and Enlightenment

Lent: Purification and Enlightenment

The period commonly referred to as Purification and Enlightenment starts on the first Sunday of Lent and ends at the Easter vigil. Lent is a period of inner reflection, penance and spiritual renewal. For the catechumens, Lent is a time of great anticipation because the sacraments of initiation are drawing near. A close encounter with the Risen Lord is approaching. Spiritual growth should be evident in everyone involved in the process. Sometimes the RCIA team members are more excited than the catechumens! This is a fantastic time when Jesus Christ powerfully comes alive throughout the entire parish community.

During Lent, we all need to solemnly reflect on our negative attitudes because they often lead to our personal sins. We need purification from these attitudes to gain freedom from our sins. Jesus Christ provides this to us in a special way during Lent. As the time comes closer to receiving the sacraments, God’s grace starts to come into focus more clearly. Souls are waiting to step into the light of Christ. The catechumens are enlightened by the relationship that they have gained with Jesus as well as the Christian community. The light illuminates the darkness. The catechumens should know by now that our God is an awesome and forgiving Father. He is Mercy! He has sacrificed his only son for the forgiveness of our sins. God is holding out his hand for us to grab hold of. His outstretched arms on the cross welcome us all like the prodigal son.

There are several rites that will take place during this period of the RCIA. They are the penitential rite, which is for the candidates, the anointing of the catechumens, the three scrutinies, the rite of exorcism, and the presentations. The anointing of the catechumens can take place at any time during the catechumenate period including the period of purification and enlightenment. It may also be celebrated more than one time if there is a need. This ritual is usually performed before the first scrutiny.

The scrutinies (the penitential rite is done the second Sunday of lent) are done on the third, fourth, and fifth Sunday of lent. The readings for these scrutinies are from the cycle year A of the Lectionary. The Samaritan woman at the well (John chapter 4) is read on the third Sunday, the man born blind is read on the fourth Sunday (John 9:1-41), and the account of the raising of Lazarus from the gospel of John chapter 11 is read on the fifth Sunday.

The priest or deacon usually celebrates the Rite of “minor exorcism”. Don’t be afraid because it’s nothing like a scary movie. The presentations of the creed and the Lord’s Prayer usually take place right after the scrutinies. We are handing down our traditions to those who are going to be initiated into the Church. There is a real feeling of connection with the ancient faith in this ceremony. Easter vigil is approaching and these rituals build up the faith and confidence of the catechumens. This period ends on Holy Saturday night when they are initiated fully into the Catholic Church and into the Mystical Body of Christ!

2 Thessalonians 1:11-12

To this end we always pray for you,

that our God may make you worthy of his call,

and may fulfill every good resolve and work of faith by his power,

so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you,

and you in him,

according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.