The second verse of “Lift High the Cross” by Sydney H. Nicholson (1875-1947) states, “Each newborn servant of the Crucified Bears on the brow the seal of him who died.”   In the second reading this Sunday, St. Paul’s letter to the Romans makes reference to the fact that we who once were in the flesh are now  in the spirit. We have the elect who will be experiencing the third scrutiny this weekend.   A part of the rite is the exorcism where the priest prays to “free these chosen ones, we pray, from the deadly power of the evil spirit, so that they may receive the new life of the risen Christ and bear witness to it.”  The new life in the spirit is our assurance that with God’s help we can overcome concupiscence and the works of the flesh.  Although it is a constant fight, we can be assured of the mercy and love that God provides for His chosen people.