Grace Thompson
The Third Scrutiny is a rite celebrated by those preparing to be baptised into the Catholic Church. It is one of three scrutinies that take place on the third, fourth and fifth Sundays of Lent, during the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA). The scrutinies are meant to 'uncover, then heal all that is weak, defective, or sinful' in the hearts of the Elect and to 'strengthen all that is upright, strong, and good'. The Third Scrutiny focuses on the raising of Lazarus from the dead, revealing Jesus as the Resurrection and the Life.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Day | Third Sunday of Lent |
| Rite | The Resurrection and the Life |
| Gospel | Raising of Lazarus from the dead |
| Scripture | John 11:1-45 |
| Symbol | Water |
| Purpose | To uncover and heal all that is weak, defective, or sinful in the hearts of the Elect |
| To bring out and strengthen all that is upright, strong, and good | |
| To deliver the Elect from the power of sin and Satan | |
| To protect the Elect against temptation | |
| To give the Elect strength in Christ |
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What You'll Learn
- The Third Scrutiny is the final rite for those preparing to be baptised at Easter
- It is celebrated on the fifth Sunday of Lent
- It is based on the Gospel story of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead
- Jesus is emphasised as the Resurrection and the Life
- It is a time to uncover and heal sin, and to strengthen the good
The Third Scrutiny is the final rite for those preparing to be baptised at Easter
The Gospels on the three Sundays on which the Scrutinies are celebrated teach the Elect about the mystery of sin, and fill them with the Spirit of Christ. The Third Scrutiny emphasises Jesus as "the Resurrection and the Life", as told in the Gospel of the raising to life of Lazarus. The account of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead forms the Third and Final Scrutiny, as it is here that our Lord enters the ultimate contrast: from death, he calls forth life.
The Scrutinies are described by the Church as:
> “rites for self-searching and repentance, which are meant to uncover, 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."
The purpose of the Scrutinies is to uncover and heal all that is weak, defective, or sinful in the hearts of the Elect and to strengthen all that is upright, strong, and good. They are about seeing sin in its right aspect and understanding the way we fall victim to it. They are also about the transformative healing possible through Christ.
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It is celebrated on the fifth Sunday of Lent
The Third Scrutiny is celebrated on the fifth Sunday of Lent. It is one of three Scrutinies, which are Rites celebrated by those preparing to be baptised at Easter, known as "The Elect". The Scrutinies are described by the Church as:
> “rites for self-searching and repentance, which are meant to uncover, 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. 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.”
The Gospels on the three Sundays on which the Scrutinies are celebrated teach the Elect about the mystery of sin, and fill them with the Spirit of Christ. The Third Scrutiny emphasises Jesus as "the Resurrection and the Life", as told in the Gospel of the raising to life of Lazarus. This Gospel demonstrates that the believer has eternal life and has passed from death to life. It is also an anticipation of what is celebrated at Easter and in Baptism.
The Third Scrutiny is also associated with the Pharisees. Jesus condemns their blindness and their exclusion and condemnation of an innocent person. This is similar to what Jesus will experience later in the Gospel.
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It is based on the Gospel story of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead
The Third Scrutiny in the Catholic Church is a significant ritual and examination that occurs during the Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday. This scrutiny is deeply rooted in the Gospel story of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead, as told in the Gospel of John, offering a powerful message of faith, conversion, and new life in Christ.
The story of Lazarus is a dramatic and emotional narrative. Lazarus, the brother of Mary and Martha, falls ill, and his sisters send word to Jesus, trusting that He will come and heal him. However, Jesus deliberately delays his arrival, using the situation as a teaching moment for his disciples and those who would believe in Him. When Jesus finally arrives, Lazarus has been dead for four days, and his body is already beginning to decay.
Despite the apparent finality of death, Jesus performs a miraculous sign, calling Lazarus forth from the tomb. In a powerful display of His authority over life and death, Jesus raises Lazarus back to life. This event becomes a turning point in the Gospel of John, leading many witnesses to believe in Jesus as the Son of God and the long-awaited Messiah.
In the context of the Third Scrutiny, this Gospel story serves as a profound illustration of God's power to bring life out of death. Catechumens preparing for baptism are called to reflect on their own spiritual deaths and the possibility of new life in Christ. They are invited to consider the ways in which they have been "asleep" or "dead" due to sin and are encouraged to respond to Christ's call to awaken and embrace a new life of faith and discipleship.
The raising of Lazarus also symbolizes the conversion and transformation that is possible through Christ's redeeming grace. Just as Lazarus emerged from the darkness of the tomb, catechumens are called to leave behind their old lives and step into the light of Christ, embracing a life of faith, hope, and love. This scrutiny challenges them to examine their readiness to die to sin and rise to new life through the sacraments of initiation: Baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist.
During the liturgy of the Third Scrutiny, the Gospel reading of Lazarus' raising is proclaimed, and the catechumens are presented with a Gospel book, symbolizing their embrace of Christ's teachings. The scrutinies as a whole prepare these individuals for the sacraments of initiation, helping them to discern their readiness to commit their lives fully to Christ and to live out their faith within the Catholic Church community.
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Jesus is emphasised as the Resurrection and the Life
The Scrutinies are Rites celebrated on the third, fourth, and fifth Sundays of Lent by those preparing to be baptised at Easter, known as "The Elect". The Third Scrutiny emphasises Jesus as "the Resurrection and the Life".
The Third Scrutiny centres on the Gospel of the raising of Lazarus to life. Jesus, through his obedience to his Father, demonstrates his authority to give life to whom he wills. This incident is a precursor to what will occur on the last day, signifying that the believer has passed from death to eternal life. It is a foretaste of the resurrection and eternal life celebrated at Easter and in Baptism.
The Gospel of the raising of Lazarus illustrates Jesus' mission to “give life in abundance” (John 10:10). Jesus encounters death and is deeply troubled, yet he calls forth life, demonstrating his power over death. This scene underscores the stark contrast between death and the abundant life that Jesus offers.
The Third Scrutiny serves as a pivotal moment in the Elect's journey towards baptism. Through this scrutiny, they embark on their final path towards embracing new life in the risen Christ. It is a time of intense examination and preparation, where they are encouraged to uncover and heal their weaknesses and sins, strengthening their resolve to follow Christ.
The Scrutinies are not only for the Elect but also hold significance for all Catholics. They provide an opportunity to reflect on the mystery of sin, to repent, and to be filled with the Spirit of Christ. By understanding Jesus' role as the Resurrection and the Life, Catholics can embrace the transformative healing and liberation offered by Christ, fostering continuous conversion and a deeper faith.
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It is a time to uncover and heal sin, and to strengthen the good
The Third Scrutiny is a Rite celebrated on the Fifth Sunday of Lent by people preparing to be baptised at Easter, known as "The Elect". The Scrutinies are meant to help uncover and heal all that is "weak, defective, or sinful" in the hearts of the Elect and to "strengthen all that is upright, strong, and good".
The Gospels on the three Sundays on which the Scrutinies are celebrated teach the Elect about the mystery of sin and fill them with the Spirit of Christ. The Third Scrutiny emphasizes Jesus as "the Resurrection and the Life" through the Gospel of the raising of Lazarus. Jesus, in his obedience to his Father, has the authority to give life to whom he will. The incident is an anticipation of what is to be celebrated at Easter and in Baptism, resurrection, and eternal life.
The Third Scrutiny is also about the transformative healing power of Christ. Once we see sin for what it is and better understand our weaknesses, we can begin to exercise freedom and liberation. The scrutiny is meant not simply to critique and assess one's readiness but to uncover and heal sin and to strengthen the good. The scrutinies are celebrated to deliver the Elect from the power of sin and Satan, to protect them against temptation, and to give them strength in Christ.
The Third Scrutiny is a time of purification and enlightenment for the Elect, with prayers of exorcism intended to help purify them from sin and sinful desires. The overall prayers and laying on of hands are to help the Elect be enlightened by the Word and grace of God. The Scrutinies are important for all Catholics during the Lenten season of repentance and renewal.
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Frequently asked questions
The Third Scrutiny is a rite celebrated on the fifth Sunday of Lent by people preparing to be baptised at Easter.
The purpose of the third scrutiny is to uncover and heal all that is "weak, defective, or sinful" in the hearts of the Elect.
The Gospel reading for the third scrutiny is the raising of Lazarus from the dead, which teaches that Jesus is the Resurrection and the Life.
The symbol of the third scrutiny is water, which indicates that God wishes to give us life and also indicates baptism.
The third scrutiny dates back to the early Church, but these preparatory rites were incorporated into the one rite of baptism itself.
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