The Scrutinies

Samaritan Woman at the Well - 1593 Annibale Carracci

Last Sunday we began the Scrutinies. These are special times where we pray for those who are in the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults. These adults are in preparation to celebrate the Sacraments of Christian Initiation at the Easter Vigil. A dictionary gives us three views of scrutiny. Scrutiny is a careful inspection that is a close, cared, and thorough examination or inspection. Scrutiny is an observation that is a careful study or surveillance. A scrutiny can be a gaze where we give a searching look.

When we come to the scrutiny of the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, scrutiny is mainly spiritual. The Scrutinies are intended to purify the mind and heart, to strengthen against temptation, to purify intentions, and to help make a firm decision of those in the RCIA. We ask that they remain more closely united with Christ and make progress in their efforts to love God more deeply.

We pray that they arrive at an intimate knowledge of Christ and his Church, and progress in sincere self-knowledge in a serious appraisal of self, and in true penance.

The Catechumens in the RCIA learn the mysteries of Christ who frees from sin. We pray they be free of the effects of sin and from the influence of the devil. We pray they are strengthened in their journey and open their hearts to receive the gifts of the Savior.

Each scrutiny focuses on Christ the Redeemer. In the first scrutiny, the Samaritan woman discovers Christ is the living water. In the second scrutiny, the man born blind discovers Christ the light. In the third scrutiny, Lazarus discovers Christ is the resurrection and life. As the Scrutinies proceed, parishioners grow deeper with the elect in our understanding of sin and in our desire for salvation.