RBWords

     In many parishes across the country, individuals who are participating in the RCIA programs (preparing for baptism or profession of faith) are undergoing a brief formal ritual on Sundays called the "scrutiny."  This is a public way of expressing their desire to join the church.  They are joined by their sponsors at the front of the congregation and the celebrant leads them through the formal questions. What is impressive is the faith of these persons in persevering through the long program that usually begins in the Fall.  Their faith journeys no doubt at one time showed like that of the royal official in today's gospel.  

     The most important line in the passage from the Gospel of John is: "The man believed what Jesus said to him and left."  In the Gospel of John, faith in Jesus is the central concept.  Sin is disbelief.  The royal official may not have had a deep understanding of Jesus, but he was willing to take Jesus at his word without requiring him to come to the place where the child was, as he had said in his original request.  That subtle change makes all the difference.  Jesus recognizes even that limited faith and responds to it.

     I urge the Beloved Congregation to pray for those who are coming to membership in the Church this Easter.  Try to meet one of them and learn about their journey to Christ and the Church.  It can do wonders for one's own faith.  AMEN