Scrutinizing!
In the third, fourth, and fifth Sundays in Lent (starting this coming Sunday) the three Scrutinies will take place during Mass for our parishioners who are preparing for Baptism. What are the Scrutinies? They sound scary! But after doing some research, I realized the true meaning of this prayerful and sacred rite that the Church has wisely given for the Elect (those preparing for Baptism).
Each week, as Easter approaches, the Scrutinies help the Elect to focus on Christ bringing light and life to areas of sin and darkness. We are children of the light:
“For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light, for light produces every kind of goodness and righteousness and truth,” (Ephesians 5: 8-9).
The goal is sanctification. At first glance, I thought the word “scrutiny” made this rite sound frightening, as if the Elect are to be criticized. According to Oxford Languages, to scrutinize means to “examine or inspect closely and thoroughly.” You will find other similar definitions in other dictionaries.
So, in our context, to scrutinize oneself is to look at what is in one’s heart and soul, as if with a magnifying glass. The process helps us to notice anything we need to be healed of so that we can grow in relationship with God. Our brokenness and our sins are roadblocks to living in freedom and love. Our weaknesses are revealed to us through the Scrutinies. The purpose is:
“To uncover, then heal all that is weak, defective, or sinful in the hearts of the Elect and to strengthen all that is upright, strong, and good,” (Quotes from Ritual Text for Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults, 141).
(You will notice in the quote that the Elect are also called to reflect on their goodness, strengths, and dignity.)
Christ scrutinizes with the Elect: he reveals to them any defects, unhealthy attachments, shortcomings, or disordered habits and provides great graces to overcome these deficits. Christ shines his light into the souls of the Elect during the Scrutinies so that he may ultimately liberate them from sin.
What will happen during the Scrutinies? Each Scrutiny includes prayers over the Elect and the assembly is asked to intercede for them. It is so important to pray for one another and to encourage the Elect as they prepare to receive new life through Baptism. I think this rite also reminds all of us to examine our own consciences and grow in self-knowledge of where we need to grow.
Lent is the perfect time for this. We can pray, receive Holy Communion, and go to Confession. We can ask for God’s grace to heal us and build us up so that we can grow in perfection, that is, into the people who God created us to be. The purpose of the journey is to become whole. That is what being holy means: to pick up the broken pieces and to make oneself whole.
“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light,” (1 Peter 2:9).