The Scrutinies

Scrutinies are rites of self-searching and repentance. When people from another spiritual background seek baptism in the Catholic Church, they do so by stages. First we accept them into the order of catechumens. Then as they complete their catechetical formation we enroll them among the "elect", or those chosen for baptism. This rite of election generally coincides with the beginning of Lent. Three times during Lent the Church prays the scrutinies to encourage a spirit of repentance among those who seek a worthy celebration of baptism. Scrutinies originated early in Church history. St. Ambrose and St. Augustine celebrated them in the fourth and fifth centuries to mark the spiritual progress of the catechumens. The moral preparation of catechumens included prayers of exorcism, to drive out the spirit of evil which kept them from embracing Christ as their light. Today's scrutinies still include an exorcism, in which the priest prays that the spirit of evil may be replaced by the spirit of good. Their purpose is not so much to examine the candidates' mental readiness, but their spiritual readiness. Scrutinies offer the catechumens the support they need to approach the waters of baptism worthily. For those who are already baptized, the scrutinies invite us to embrace the same spirit of self-searching and repentance. At Easter we renew our baptismal promises as we see the catechumens baptized. So during Lent we renew our repentance as we see the catechumens scrutinized. The scrutinies remind us of the seriousness of our Christian life and inspire us to turn from evil and pursue good. They enliven our recommitment to Christ at Easter.