Jesus with the Samaritan Woman by
the Well (Mid-4th century), Lunette in an arcosolium, catacomb on the Via
Latina. This episode from scripture is relatively rare in the catacombs (from
the end of the second century to the fourth) ■
This Sunday in most parishes the first “scrutiny” will be celebrated as part of
the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) process. The scrutinies are
special rites “meant to uncover then heal all that is weak, defective or sinful
in the hearts of the elect” (RCIA p. 78). In the first scrutiny, God drives out
Satan and the “spirit of deceit” so that the catechumens “may attain purity of heart
and advance on the way to salvation”■