THE ELECT OF GOD (35)

In the previous article, I examined the shape and structure of the RCIA, starting with the Period of Evangelisation and Precatechumenate, and followed by the Rite of Acceptance into the Order of Catechumens and Period of Catechumenate. In this article, I will discuss the Rite of Election and the Period of Purification and Enlightenment.

Why is the Rite of Election celebrated?

The Rite of Election is the second step in the process of Christian initiation of adults. This liturgical rite is very significant both for the catechumens and for the Catholic community for three reasons.

• It marks the catechumens’ desire to receive the Sacraments of Initiation by signing or enrolling their name into the ‘Book of the Elect’. This is why the rite is also known as the “Enrollment of Names”. It also indicates the catechumens’ commitment to enter into the next period of the RCIA, namely, the Period of Purification and Enlightenment. For her part, the Church judges and affirms the readiness of the catechumens to receive the Sacraments.

• While the other liturgical rites of the RCIA are usually presided by the parish priest, the main presider for the Rite of Election is the diocesan bishop. By participating in the rite, the catechumens come into personal contact with their bishop and to understand that, he too, has an important role in the initiation process.

  
  

• Usually held at the Cathedral, the mother church of the diocese, it allows the catechumens from a particular parish to come into contact with catechumens and community members from other parishes who also gather there for the celebration. It helps them experience what it means to be part of a larger church.

What does the term ‘election’ mean?

The term ‘election’, which is founded on the biblical concept of ‘election’, forms the very basis of the Rite of Election. In the Old Testament, the idea of ‘election’ was important to the people of Israel. They were conscious that they were specially chosen by God to be His own people from among all the nations in the world. In the New Testament, Jesus is portrayed as the ‘elect’ (or chosen one) of God and the Church as the ‘elect’ of Christ. At the Rite of Election, the entire Church rejoices with the catechumens in knowing that they have been specially called and chosen by God who loves them dearly.

What happens at the Rite of Election?

Usually, the rite is celebrated on the first Sunday of the Season of Lent. The rite itself takes place during Mass, after the homily. However, it can also be celebrated outside the Mass.

Basically, during the rite, the catechumens are presented to the bishop together with their godparents. The bishop questions the godparents concerning the catechumens’ suitability for Baptism. After the godparents affirm the suitability of the catechumens, the assembly too is asked to do the same. Then, the bishop ratifies the catechumens’ election in the name of the Church. From this time onwards, the person is called the ‘elect’ (or chosen). The rite comes to a conclusion with a prayer said by the bishop over the elect, who then dismisses them (RCIA, 129-137). By this, the catechumens enter the third period of preparation, that is, the Period of Enlightenment and Illumination.

What happens during the Period of Purification and Illumination?

At this time, the elect undergoes a period of intense spiritual preparation. Since the period coincides with the Season of Lent, together with the baptised members of the community, the elect are helped to experience the Lenten journey through the practice of prayer, almsgiving and fasting.

During the period, there are two liturgical rites that publicly mark the progress of the elect in their faith journey. 

• The rite of Scrutiny, which assists the elect in their progress towards final purification before Baptism.

  
  

• The rite of Presentation which encourages them to progress further in the journey towards faith in Christ. 

What is a Scrutiny?

A Scrutiny is a rite that, consisting intercessions, prayers of exorcism, and dismissal of the elect from the liturgical assembly, is “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” (RCIA, 141). Basically, it serves to help the elect to express their preparedness to receive the Sacraments of Initiation (RCIA, 141-146).

How is the Scrutiny celebrated?

In all, there are three scrutinies, each celebrated on the third, fourth and fifth Sunday of Lent respectively. Each rite takes place after the homily when the elect, together with their godparents, come forward before the presider, usually the priest. The rite itself is made up of two main parts, that is, the prayers of intercession and exorcisms for the elect.

• The focus of the prayers of intercession is on the deliverance of the elect from sin, and expresses the concern of the entire community for them.

  
  

• This is followed by an exorcism led by the presider. It is composed of three parts. The first is a prayer addressed to God, the Father and invokes God’s power to heal and protect the elect. Secondly, the presider lays hands on the elect and thirdly, a prayer addressed to Christ is said. After the rite, the elect is usually dismissed from the assembly.

Why are the scrutinies celebrated?

Liturgically, scrutinies are not to be viewed as a kind of interrogation regarding the sincerity or worthiness of the elect to receive the sacraments. Instead, these rites are considered public prayers to God by the Christian community on behalf of the elect. Similarly, exorcisms are not to be seen as a means to rid the devil from the elect but as a way of emphasising the faith of the Church in the power of Christ over evil.

In receiving the power of God and supported by the prayers of the assembly, it is the elect who is called to make a sincerely scrutinise his or her own life. It is an act of surrendering oneself completely to Jesus. Therefore, the celebration of the scrutinies serves to proclaim the loving power of God to help the elect overcome the evil that exists in their lives and in the world.

What are Presentations?

The Presentation is a special liturgical rite usually held on the third and fifth weeks of Lent. However, it can also be celebrated immediately after the scrutiny, especially on Third and Fifth Sunday of Lent. On Third Sunday of Lent, the elect are presented with the Creed (either the Nicene or Apostles’ Creed) and on Fifth Sunday of Lent, the “Lord’s Prayer” (Our Father) is presented to them. Through the Presentations, the elect receive formally and solemnly the Creed and the Lord’s Prayer from the Church. At this point, the elect are ready for the Sacraments of Initiation at the upcoming Easter Vigil.

Conclusion

It can be seen that the journey an adult person takes to become a Catholic can be quite demanding and intense. It is because the aim of the entire RCIA process is to lead him or her to an experience of sincere conversion to Christ and an adherence to his Gospel. The Church for her part, wants to ensure that the one preparing for Baptism is fully aware of the commitment required on his or her part as to what it means to be a true disciple of Christ and a member of the Catholic Church.