The Scrutinies

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?

Each of the Scrutinies is actually a minor exorcism. This does not by any means mean that the catechumen is possessed. A minor exorcism is a special prayer of blessing meant to purify someone from the influence of the enemy. The rite of blessing holy water is another example of a minor exorcism. Each of the Scrutinies is about healing the catechumen more and more in order to prepare them for complete freedom and new life through Baptism. 

Each of these blessings are also accompanied by a special set of readings. These readings are: 1) the Samaritan Woman at the Well; 2) the Healing of the Man Born Blind; and 3) the Raising of Lazarus. The core message of each of these readings corresponds to the blessing involved in each Scrutiny. The First Scrutiny is about acknowledging the wounds that have broken us and left us empty as well as petitioning God to fill us with the Living Water of the Holy Spirit. The Second Scrutiny is about being cured of our spiritual blindness, being given the eyes of Faith and being enlightened by the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The Third Scrutiny is about being raised from the death of sin and given the new life of the Resurrection, which is to be truly fulfilled at Baptism. 

For us who are already fully initiated into the Faith, we are called to accompany the catechumens during this time; but it is also a time for us to renew these same graces. May we seek out these same graces of Living Water, enlightenment and new life through Confession and the Eucharist, this week and every week.