OCIA Session 20: Scrutiny I – Healing from Sin, Relying on God’s Mercy

Welcome, friends. Today we enter into something very special in the OCIA journey: the Scrutinies. Now, before you panic - no, this is not a test. Nobody’s going to put you under a spotlight and quiz you on the Ten Commandments. The Scrutinies are not about embarrassment. They are about grace. The Church describes them as prayers of healing and strengthening. They are moments during Mass where the community prays over you, asking God to uncover what is weak, heal what is wounded, and strengthen what is good. In other words: the Scrutinies are God’s chance to work deeply in your soul as you prepare for Easter.

What This First Scrutiny Is About

The first Scrutiny focuses on healing from sin and relying on God’s mercy.

All of us carry wounds. All of us struggle with sin. That’s not the end of the story - because Christ came not for the perfect, but for sinners. This Scrutiny is your chance to say: “Yes, Lord, I need Your healing. I can’t do this on my own.”

Humor Break

Some people imagine Catholics as those who pretend to be perfect on Sundays. Nope. If the Church were only for perfect people, it would be empty. The Church is a hospital for sinners - and the doctor is always in.

Healing From Sin

The first Scrutiny invites us to name and let go of the sins that weigh us down. That might mean pride, selfishness, gossip, anger, greed, laziness, or lack of trust in God. But remember: God’s mercy is bigger than your sins. The Scrutinies aren’t about shame. They’re about freedom.

Gospel Connection

The readings for the first Scrutiny usually include the story of the Samaritan woman at the well (John 4). She comes burdened with sin and shame. Jesus doesn’t condemn her. Instead, He offers her “living water” - the mercy and life of God. That’s what He offers you.

Interactive Reflection

Take two minutes. Ask yourself: what’s the “empty well” I keep going back to in my life? Is it pride, anger, or something else that doesn’t satisfy? Now imagine Jesus sitting at that well, looking at you with love, and offering you His living water.

Parish Connection

During Mass, the community will pray for you. The priest will lay hands over you and ask God to heal, strengthen, and protect you. This isn’t private. It’s public - because the parish walks with you. The whole Church supports you in your conversion.

Humor Break #2

It’s kind of like Catholic teamwork: you’re not walking into Easter Vigil alone. The whole parish is your cheering section. They might not hold up signs like at a marathon, but their prayers are even more powerful.

How to Enter Into It

Don’t worry about saying the right words. Just be open. As the prayers are spoken, silently ask: “Lord, heal me. Strengthen me. Give me Your mercy.”

And if emotions come up - peace, tears, joy - that’s okay. The Holy Spirit works in many ways.

Ongoing Conversion

The Scrutiny isn’t just a one-day event. It’s an invitation to deeper healing in your daily life. This week, notice where you feel tempted or weak, and deliberately call on God’s mercy. Say: “Jesus, give me Your living water.”

Interactive Activity

Pair up (or reflect quietly). Share: what word comes to mind when you think of “mercy”? For some it’s relief, for others hope, for others a fresh start. Hold onto that word this week.

Action Step

This week:

Go to Sunday Mass and fully participate in the first Scrutiny prayers. Don’t be nervous - just be open.
Each day, pray Psalm 51: “Create in me a clean heart, O God.”
When you feel weighed down by sin or struggle, whisper: “Jesus, I trust in You.”

Closing

The first Scrutiny is about healing and mercy. It’s not about shame or fear. It’s about standing before Christ and letting Him look at you with the same love He showed the woman at the well. Next time, we’ll move into the Second Scrutiny - which focuses on freedom from sin and living in God’s grace. Until then, remember: the Church doesn’t scrutinize you to condemn you. She prays for you so that you can be healed and strengthened by God’s mercy.

next class:
OCIA Session 21: Scrutiny II – Freedom from Sin, Living in Grace