This coming week we will be celebrating the Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord. Jesus has risen and now ascends into heaven to take His seat at the right hand of His Father. As the Responsorial Psalm for the feast recounts: “God mounts His throne to shouts of joy; a blare of trumpets for the Lord.” However, as with so many of the Mysteries of our faith, there is more at work than just the historical event of Jesus ascending into heaven. 

This weekend, we will be moving from our Lenten preparations to our Easter celebration! The Easter season begins with what is called the Easter Triduum: the Mass of the Lord’s Supper on Holy Thursday, the Commemoration of our Lord’s Passion on Good Friday and the Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday night. This special and ancient liturgy celebrates the primary moment of our salvation: Jesus’ Passion and death on the Cross, paying the price for our sins and winning us freedom from the enemy, and His Resurrection, defeating Death itself once and for all. 

Starting this weekend, we begin the stage of Lent called the “Scrutinies.” These ancient and sacred rites are given to those preparing for Baptism and Confirmation at the Easter Vigil. They are preparatory rites, purifying the person and enlightening them in stages as they journey closer and closer to Christ. But what exactly are they? What do they entail?