From Darkness to Light: the Scrutinies Begin
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
This weekend at our 10:30am Mass we begin an annual sacred and powerful “moment” in the life of our parish and the Church: the Scrutinies for those preparing to enter the Church through the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA).
What is taking place?
The Scrutinies are special rites celebrated on the Third, Fourth, and Fifth Sundays of Lent for those who are preparing for Baptism at the Easter Vigil. These men and women, now called the Elect, have already celebrated the Rite of Election and have been formally chosen to receive the Sacraments of Initiation. During these Sundays, the Church prays in a particular and intense way that God will strengthen them, free them from sin, and deepen their desire for Christ.
The Scrutinies are not examinations in the academic sense, rather hey are spiritual moments of grace. The prayers and readings (especially the Gospel accounts of the Samaritan woman at the well, the man born blind, and the raising of Lazarus) reveal Christ as Living Water, Light of the World, and Resurrection and Life. Through these powerful Scriptures, the Lord “scrutinizes” the hearts of the Elect, not to condemn but to heal, purify, and strengthen.
Why does the Church do this?
From the earliest centuries, the Church has taken seriously the preparation of those who will be baptized. In the early Church, this final period before Easter was a time of intense prayer, fasting, and exorcism–yes, exorcism–not in a dramatic sense, but as solemn prayers asking God to drive away the power of the enemy and sin and to protect those preparing to belong fully to Christ.
The Scrutinies remind us that becoming a Christian is not merely joining an organization. It is a death and resurrection. It is a turning away from sin and a turning toward Jesus Christ with one’s whole life. The Church, as a loving mother, surrounds her children with prayer as they approach this great transformation.
What does this mean for us?
First, it is a reminder that Lent is not only about “what I am giving up.” It is about conversion. As the Elect are examined spiritually, so too are we. Their journey is meant to stir our own hearts. Where do we need healing? What darkness needs Christ’s light? What in us needs to be raised to new life?
Second, we are called to pray for them. These weeks can be spiritually intense for those preparing to enter the Church. The evil one does not rejoice when souls draw close to the graces of Baptism. Your prayers matter. Please pray for our catechumens and candidates by name if you know them. Offer a Rosary, a Holy Hour, or a simple daily prayer for their perseverance and joy.
Finally, I encourage you to be especially attentive at the 10:30am Mass in the coming weeks. Listen to the prayers. Notice the community gathered around them. Let it move you. The Scrutinies are not private ceremonies; they belong to the whole parish. We walk this road together.
As we accompany our Elect toward the waters of Baptism at the Easter Vigil, may we all rediscover the grace of our own Baptism and the joy of belonging to Jesus Christ.
Praised be Jesus Christ, now and forever!
All you holy saints of God, pray for us!
Peace in Christ,
Fr. Michael Silloway
Pastor