What is a Scrutiny?
Monday, March 12, 2012
Cheryl Whapham
On Sunday, Feb. 26, 545 catechumens came to the Cathedral of St. Mary and became members of God’s chosen people at the Rite of Election. The Rite of Election signifies the beginning of the period of Purification and Enlightenment which is the third of four periods that make up the process we call the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults. The period of Purification and Enlightenment coincides with the six weeks of Lent and is the last major period of preparation these elect (that’s what the catechumens are called now) will go through before they receive all three sacraments of initiation at the Easter Vigil.
The 545 elect are from parishes all over the archdiocese. On the third, fourth and fifth Sundays of Lent, these elect will be participating in a ritual known as “The Scrutinies” during a Sunday Mass. You have probably seen this ritual in your parishes over the years. After the homily, the elect come forward with their godparents and stand before the assembly and in front of the celebrant. The ritual itself consists of a series of prayers over the elect and prayers by the elect themselves.
The elect participate in the Scrutinies “to uncover, then heal all that is weak, defective, or sinful” in their hearts and to “strengthen all that is upright, strong, and good.” The Lenten journey of the elect is their final preparation before receiving the Easter Sacraments. “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.” (Quotes from Ritual Text for Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults paragraph #141)
When parishes have elect who are going through the Scrutinies, the readings from Year A for the third, fourth, and fifth Sundays of Lent are always used. These readings are the Gospel of the Samaritan woman who represents Christ the Redeemer, the living water; the Gospel of the man born blind who represents Christ the light of the world; and the Gospel of Lazarus which represents Christ as our resurrection and life. These readings lead the elect, and the faith community, from the life of sin toward a desire of salvation with Christ.
Each year I am moved to tears as I sit in the pew and witness the Scrutinies. Two things are happening within me at this moment. First of all, I’m in awe that God continues to call his children to himself. These elect have gone from unbelief to belief. This is truly a miracle of God’s grace that we are witnessing. Secondly, I’m joining with the elect in looking at my spiritual life during my Lenten journey. What in my life is weak, defective or sinful and needs to be strengthened to be upright, strong, and good so that I can be ready to greet the resurrected Christ at Easter? The elect have had amazing opportunities for conversion over the last year or so of their preparation. The Scrutinies give the entire assembly an opportunity to participate in that conversion process also. Let us join the elect this Lent in their period of final Purification and Enlightenment so that we all might find our hearts ready for Christ at Easter.
Comments from readers
Great info in here - I learned some new things and am looking forward to seeing our elect this year.
Blessings,
Angelique
I'm so happy to hear that the community at St. Peter is having a good experience this Lent. Their journey is our journey. We walk hand in hand.
Blessings to you all,
Cheryl