The scrutinies are part of the Rites of Christian Initiation (RCIA) that is celebrated during the middle three Sundays (third, fourth and fifth) of Lent at liturgies where the Elect are present. At the beginning of Lent, the Elects were enrolled into the Book of Elects by the Archbishop during the Rite of Election. These Elects now begin the final period of purification and enlightenment before receiving the Sacrament of Initiation during the Easter Vigil mass
During this period, it calls for a more intense spiritual preparation where the Elects are called to a more interior reflection rather than catechetical instruction. It is intended to purify the minds and hearts of the elect as they search their own consciences and to do penance. This period is also meant to deliver the elect from the power of sin and Satan, to protect them against temptation, and to give them strength in Christ, who is the way, the truth, and the life[1]
In order to inspire in the elect a desire for purification and redemption by Christ, three scrutinies are celebrated. The elects are first instructed about the mystery of sin. Second, their spirit is filled with Christ the Redeemer who is the living water, the light of the world, the resurrection and the life[2]. The readings from Cycle A of the Lectionary are used when the scrutinies are celebrated because these Gospels have been traditionally associated with baptism; the Samaritan woman at the well (John 4:5-32), the healing of the blind man (John 9:1-41), and the raising of Lazarus from the dead (John 11:1-45). By unfolding these stories, we not only help the Elect understand where they are going, it is also to remind ourselves where we’ve come from and what we’re going through. We are reminded that in baptism we are given to drink of life-giving waters, we are given new eyes of faith, and we are given new life. We are reminded that Christ is the living water, the light of the world, the resurrection and the life[3]
The presentations take place after the celebration of the scrutinies.
The Church entrusts to the Elects the Creed and the Lord’s Prayer which are ancient texts that have always been regarded as expressing the heart of the Church’s faith and prayer. These texts are presented in order to enlighten the elect.
The first presentation to the elect is the presentation of the Creed, during the week following the first scrutiny. The elect are to commit the Creed to memory and they will recite it publicly prior to professing their faith in accordance with that Creed on the day of their baptism.
The second presentation to the elect is the presentation of the Lord’s Prayer, during the week following the third scrutiny. The Lord’s Prayer fills them with a deeper realization of the new spirit of adoption by which they will call God their Father, especially in the midst of the eucharistic assembly.
Those who will receive the sacraments of initiation at the Easter Vigil are to be advised to refrain on Holy Saturday from their usual activities, engage in prayer and reflection, and if possible, to fast. The preparation rites should assist this process of prayer and reflection[1].
On Easter Vigil and Easter Sunday, all of us will look forward to the
sprinkling of the holy water as we renew our baptismal promises. Let this
period be a reminder not only for our Elects but for us as well about renewing
our baptism promises, the purification of sin and enlightenment we obtain from
the sacraments, and the joy we have in receiving Christ in our lives. Let us
continue to keep our elects in prayer in the upcoming weeks as they continue to
prepare themselves to receive the sacraments on Easter.
[1] See Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, prepared by the International Commission on English in the Liturgy and the Bishops' Committee on the Liturgy, the National Conference of Catholic Bishops, no. 141.
[2] See Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, prepared by the International Commission on English in the Liturgy and the Bishops' Committee on the Liturgy, the National Conference of Catholic Bishops, no. 143.
[3] See Agnoli, F. The Catholic Messenger, 2014, http://www.catholicmessenger.net/2014/03/the-scrutinies-today/, (accessed 27 March 2019).
[4] See Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, prepared by the International Commission on English in the Liturgy and the Bishops' Committee on the Liturgy, the National Conference of Catholic Bishops, no. 185.
