Oculi Sunday

The Third Sunday of Lent - also known as Oculi Sunday -  my eyes are ever toward the Lord - is also historically referred to as the first Scrutiny Sunday in the Catholic Church - focusing on the examination of candidates preparing to enter the Church at the Easter Vigil.  Today and for the next two Sundays are held a set of three scrutinies.  In those three Sundays the candidates for reception into the Church are questioned to help prepare them for the Vigil.  The parishioners are asked to help the candidates - to pray for them to be worthy of acceptance.  Some might say they are under the microspcope being closley observed to benefit them - not to exclude them - to include them in the parish community.

Jesus came that each one of us has a life filled with all that God intends for us.  Most live a life acceoting those blessing - a few do not.  Believe it or not God did not create us only to turn away and focus on other things.  He has had His eyes on us the moment we were conceived in our mother's womb.  Just as God watches over us - we in turn are asked to watch over all those around us - to help - encourage - forgive - love. 

Deacon Dale