OCIA Session 22: Scrutiny III – Strength Against Temptation

Welcome back, everyone. We’ve already walked through the first Scrutiny - healing from sin and relying on God’s mercy - and the second Scrutiny - freedom from sin and living in grace. Today, we reach the third Scrutiny, the final one before Holy Week. This Scrutiny focuses on strength against temptation. Because let’s be honest: even after Baptism, even after grace sets us free, temptation doesn’t disappear. The devil doesn’t just pack up and leave you alone. In fact, sometimes he works harder when he knows you’re drawing closer to Christ. That’s why this Scrutiny asks God not just to heal and free us, but to fortify us.

Why We Need Strength

Temptation is part of the human condition. Even Jesus was tempted - forty days in the desert, with Satan whispering lies. The difference? Jesus resisted, showing us how to fight back with God’s Word and trust.

Temptation itself is not sin. Giving in is. Think of temptation as the spark - you decide whether to blow it out or pour gasoline on it.

Humor Break

One little boy prayed, “Lord, lead me not into temptation… especially the cookie jar.” We all know the feeling. Temptation often comes disguised as something small or harmless - but left unchecked, it grows.

Gospel Connection

The Gospel tied to this Scrutiny is usually the raising of Lazarus (John 11). Why? Because it shows Jesus’ power to bring life where there was death, strength where there was weakness. Just as He called Lazarus out of the tomb, He calls us out of the tombs of temptation and sin.

How God Strengthens Us

God doesn’t leave us defenseless. He gives us:

Grace through the sacraments - especially the Eucharist and Confession.
Scripture - the “sword of the Spirit” (Ephesians 6:17).
Prayer - asking, as Jesus taught: “Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.”
Community - fellow believers who encourage and hold us accountable.

Interactive Reflection

Take two minutes. Think of one temptation that seems to trip you up most often. Write it down. Now imagine Jesus standing beside you in that exact moment. What difference would His presence make?

Parish Connection

The Scrutiny takes place during Mass, with the parish praying for you. This isn’t just your fight. The community is asking God to strengthen you, so that you don’t battle temptation alone. Your parish is like a training camp - giving you tools, encouragement, and prayer to stand strong.

Humor Break #2

You know you’re Catholic when you’ve been tempted to leave Mass early to beat the parking lot rush. Don’t do it. Temptation comes in many forms - even in the pews!

How to Resist Temptation

Some practical steps:

Avoid near occasions of sin. If something always trips you up, don’t hang around it.
Pray in the moment. Even a quick, “Jesus, help me” is powerful.
Replace with good. Don’t just say “no” to sin. Say “yes” to virtue.
Confess quickly. Don’t let sin settle in. Bring it to Christ’s mercy.

Interactive Activity

Pair up (or reflect quietly). Share: what’s one strategy that helps you resist temptation? Maybe it’s prayer, accountability, music, or simply walking away. Encourage each other with practical wisdom.

Action Step

This week:

Fully enter into the Third Scrutiny at Mass. Ask God for real strength.
Each day, pray the Our Father slowly, focusing on the line: “Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.”
Write down your biggest temptation and one step you’ll take this week to resist it.

Closing

The third Scrutiny reminds us: the Christian life is not lived without struggle. Temptations will come. But with Christ, you are not powerless. His grace is stronger than any weakness, His Spirit more powerful than any lie of the enemy.

Next time, we’ll step into the beauty and mystery of Holy Week - walking with Jesus from Palm Sunday through the Triduum into Easter joy. Until then, remember: temptation is real, but God’s grace is greater. You don’t fight alone - you fight with Christ and His Church at your side.

next class:
OCIA Session 23: Holy Week Explained – Palm Sunday, Triduum, Easter