The forth Sunday of Lent marks the second of three scrutinies. This lesson will explain what exactly a scrutiny is and why we have them in the Church. These scrutiny lessons/Gospel readings are from Cycle A of the Liturgical Year and include the following:
Search: The Woman at the Well - Cycle A - Lent 3
Search: The Blind Man - Cycle A - Lent 4
Search: Lazarus - Cycle A - Lent 5
See the Jesus Retreat which is based on the reading above and great for RCIA
The lessons above are great for RCIA retreats but can also be used for any age or group. It is suggested that the Prodigal Son lesson be used alongside the lessons above.
What is a scrutiny? “A close, careful examination or study. The term is applied to the manner of electing a Pope by secret ballot in which every human precaution is taken to avoid error or dishonesty. The formal examination of candidates for sacred orders is also called a scrutiny.”[i] The Catholic Encyclopedia gives more explanation on these three terms of scrutiny.
“1) In promotion to orders a scrutiny or examination of the candidate is to be made according to the warning of the Apostle: "Impose not hands lightly upon any man" (1 Timothy 5:22). That the practice is ancient is testified to by St. Cyprian (who died in 258) in his thirty-eighth epistle. The ninth canon of the Council of Nicæa (325) supposes the scrutiny of candidates to be already in use. Many later synods enforced and defined more exactly this scrutiny of those who aspired to orders. The present discipline is laid down by the Council of Trent (Sess. XXIII, Cap. v, de ref.), though its observance in every detail has not been reduced to practice in all countries. A three-fold scrutiny is ordered: first, through the inquiry into the qualities of the candidates by the parish priest and teachers and by public proclamation in the Church. The information thus obtained is to be embodied in a testimonial letter to the bishop. Secondly, shortly before ordination through the bishop himself and ecclesiastical persons appointed to examine into the morals, faith, and doctrine of the candidates. Thirdly, through the ceremonial form prescribed by the Pontificale Romanum for the ordination of a deacon or priest.
2) Scrutiny is also a form of ecclesiastical election and is made either by written ballot or by pronouncing the chosen name before legitimate scrutators alone. It is the usual form for electing the pope.
3) Scrutiny is also the term for the examination of catechumens before baptism. In ancient times there were three such scrutinies and later on the number was increased to seven. From the Middle Ages onwards owing to the fact that most who received baptism were infants the prescribed scrutinies were reduced to that now found in the ritual for conferring baptism. The subject-matter of these scrutinies was the faith and dispositions of the candidate.”[ii]
Of these three, what kind scrutiny are we speaking about during Lent? We are speaking about the catechumens who are seeking Baptism.
What are these scrutinies intended to do? The three chief rituals, known as scrutinies, are normally celebrated at Mass on the third, fourth, and fifth Sundays of Lent. The scrutinies are rites for self-searching and repentance. They are meant to heal those qualities, which are weak or sinful and strengthen those that are positive and good in the catechumen’s soul. (http://www.catholic.com/documents/how-to-become-a-catholic ) “The scrutinies, which are solemnly celebrated on Sundays and are reinforced by an exorcism, are rites for self-searching and repentance and have above all a spiritual purpose. The scrutinies are meant to uncover, and then heal all that is weak, defective, or sinful in the hearts of the elect; to bring out, then strengthen all that is upright, strong, and good. For the scrutinies are celebrated in order 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. These rites, therefore, should complete the conversion of the elect and deepen their resolve to hold fast to Christ and to carry out their decision to love God above all.”[iii]
Why have the scrutinies on the third, forth, and fifth Sundays of Lent? These three Sundays will help prepare them for the Easter Vigil. In order “to inspire in the elect a desire for purification and redemption by Christ, three scrutinies are celebrated. By this means, first of all, the elect are instructed gradually about the mystery of sin, from which the whole world and every person longs to be delivered and thus saved from its present and future consequences. Second, their spirit is filled with Christ the Redeemer, who is the living water (gospel of the Samaritan woman in the first scrutiny), the light of the world (gospel of the man born blind in the second scrutiny), the resurrection and the life (gospel of Lazarus in the third scrutiny). From the first to the final scrutiny the elect should progress in their perception of sin and their desire for salvation.”[iv]
Why is it necessary for a catechumen to go through this process? “Because they are asking for the three sacraments of initiation, the elect must have the intention of achieving an intimate knowledge of Christ and his Church, and they are expected particularly to progress in genuine self-knowledge through serious examination of their lives and true repentance.”[v]
Are the catechumens the only ones involved in this process? No. The whole parish is called to pray and help them in any way they can during this time. One of the best ways is to offer them up in prayer during the sacrifice of the Mass, which we hope they will be able to join us on the Easter Vigil. “The priest or deacon who is the presiding celebrant should carry out the celebration in such a way that the faithful in the assembly will also derive benefit from the liturgy of the scrutinies and join in the intercessions for the elect.”[vi]
[i] Hardon, Modern Catholic Dictionary pg. 494
[ii] Fanning, William. "Scrutiny." The Catholic Encyclopedia. Vol. 13. New York: Robert Appleton Company, 1912. 17 Jan. 2013
[iii] the 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., 141
[iv] ibid., 143
[v] ibid. 142
[vi] ibid. 145