In the Midst of the Scrutinies...

The Church is in the midst of celebrating the scrutinies with the elect preparing to be baptized at the Easter vigil this year. The scrutinies are solemn and intense prayers of conversion for those entering the Body of Christ. But what is a “scrutiny”? and who is scrutinizing whom?

According to the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults, the scrutinies “are rites for self-searching and repentance.” (OCIA 28) When we celebrate the scrutinies, neither the priest, nor the OCIA director, nor even God, are scrutinizing our elect. These rituals invite the elect to look within themselves to discover what they need to turn away from and to discover the good that they need to embrace and develop.  God comes in to help, heal, and strengthen when the elect make the choice to “turn away from sin and be faithful to the Gospel.” 

Those of us who are already baptized are not supposed to sit idly in our pews and watch while the scrutinies are celebrated. Instead, the presider “should carry out the celebration in such a way that the faithful in the assembly will also derive benefit from the liturgy of the scrutinies and join in the intercessions for the elect.” (132)  We should fervently pray for the elect as they make their final preparations before they are baptized.  These are people who have chosen the Spirit’s invitation to become part of the Body of Christ. We should pray for them as much as possible. They will help us all continue Christ’s mission, and they will bring gifts that the whole Church will benefit from. They deserve our prayers.  

The scrutinies are also an invitation to us on our Lenten journey to “turn away from sin and be faithful to the Gospel” as we were reminded when the ashes were imposed on us. With the elect, we can examine ourselves and our own spiritual journeys, asking God to help us leave behind what distracts us from our baptismal call and to help strengthen the good within us that is needed for the common good. We are all on the journey of conversion together—elect and baptized—because in this life we never complete the task of growing in holiness. 

If you gather in small communities, maybe you can reflect on and share your own conversion this Lent.  How is it going? If it has been strong, great! Keep up the good work—if you have made it this far and feel as though you haven’t really committed, don’t worry—the owner of the vineyard calls workers at all hours. Start today! 

Like the woman at the well, what is it you really thirst for? Does Christ satisfy that thirst? Like the blind man, are you aware of your own blind spots? What would you like God to help you see clearly?  

Like Lazarus, are you trapped in a tomb of some sort? Can you hear Christ calling you to come forth to life and freedom? What makes you hesitant to accept that call? For our elect, and for all of us, we pray that the Holy Spirit will make us ready to celebrate the saving mysteries at the approaching feast of Easter.