Hey Deacon!

The scrutinies are a series of rites for non-baptized adults, the “elect”, who wish to be baptized during the Easter season, usually at the Easter Vigil Mass. The scrutinies are celebrated in the third, fourth, and fifth weeks of the Lenten season. 

For this time during the Lenten season is considered a period of purification and enlightenment for the elect. There are prayers of exorcism which are intended to help purify the elect from sin and sinful desires. The overall prayers and laying on of hands are to help the elect be enlightened by the Word and grace of God. 

The basic structure which takes place immediately following the homily: 
· The elect (with sponsors) are invited forward
 · Invitation for parish to silently pray for the elect
 · Intercessions for the elect
 · Prayer of exorcism
 · Laying on of hands on the elect
 · Prayer over the elect 

The scrutinies follow upon the Gospel readings (from Year A): the Samaritan woman at the well (John 4:5-42), the man born blind (John 9:1-41), and the rising of Lazarus (John 11:1-45). “Their purpose is to deliver the elect from the power of sin and Satan, to help them resist temptations, and to find strength in Christ” (OCIA, para 141). 

The theme is deliverance: from thirst, from darkness, from death. It is a good reminder to all of us that catechesis is more than simply knowing the basic teachings of the Church. We must also incorporate the truth of the gospels into our lives. For the mind to receive the truth, the soul must be pure. The Church prays for the elect, asking the Holy Spirit to protect them from the evil one. These exorcism prayers incorporate the three Gospel events – thirsting for the living water, moving from darkness into the light, freedom from the tyranny of death.

The origin of the three scrutinies dates to the early Church. St. Hippolytus from the third century emphasized how important it was for the candidates’ lives to be carefully examined: “If there is one who is not good or is not pure, he should be excluded, because he has not heard the word of faith” 

St. Cyril’s Catechetical Lectures from the mid-fourth century provide an extraordinary perspective on how carefully the examination of conscience was to be incorporated into the catechetical process. He emphasized that the enemy will attack the soul relentlessly, trying to divert him from the path to Christ. 

It was the Second Vatican Council which called for the restoration of this ancient catechesis process including the handing on of the Apostles’ Creed and the Lord’s Prayer after the third and fifth scrutinies. 

The Elect receiving these scrutinies are not the only ones preparing to enter the Catholic Church at Easter. There are also those already baptized Christians who desire to be in full communion with the Catholic Church through receiving Confirmation and Holy Communion. They do not undergo the rite of scrutinies. 

The scrutinies provide a good reminder for all the faithful during Lent to come together in these acts of “spiritual recollection” for the Lord scrutinizes all who follow Him. Amen.


Author Bio:
 Deacon Dan Vaughn