OCIA Session 22 Supplement - Scrutiny III - Strength against temptation

Scrutiny III - Strength against temptation


The third Scrutiny focuses on strength - strength to resist temptation, to endure trials, and to remain faithful to Christ. By this point in the journey, you have reflected on healing from sin and the freedom that comes from living in God’s grace. Now the question is: how do we stay strong? How do we hold fast when temptation comes knocking? The Church surrounds you with prayer, asking God to strengthen you in spirit, to guard you from evil, and to root you firmly in His love.

The Gospel for the third Scrutiny comes from John 11 - the raising of Lazarus. Lazarus had been dead for four days when Jesus arrived. Martha, full of grief, said, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.” Yet Jesus responded with words of power and hope: “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die” (John 11:25). Then He called Lazarus out of the tomb, and the dead man came out, alive again. This miracle shows Christ’s ultimate power over sin and death. But it also shows something important for us - that no matter how deep the darkness seems, no matter how strong temptation or sin feels, Christ has the power to bring us out. He is stronger than anything we face.

Temptation is part of every Christian’s life. Even Jesus faced it in the desert. Matthew 4:1-11 tells us that the devil tempted Him with food, with power, and with testing God. But each time, Jesus resisted by answering with the Word of God: “It is written.” If even the Son of God fought temptation with Scripture, how much more should we?


Temptation itself is not sin - it is the invitation to sin. Sin happens when we say yes to it. But by God’s grace, we can resist. St. Paul encourages us in 1 Corinthians 10:13: “No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.”

The Scrutiny prayers in this rite ask God to protect you from the power of evil and to give you the strength of Christ. They remind us that temptation is not fought by willpower alone. We need grace. Prayer, Scripture, the sacraments, and the support of the Church are weapons against the enemy. Think of Ephesians 6:11: “Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.” Armor is not optional - it is essential.

Here’s a humor break: people sometimes imagine temptation as a cartoon devil on one shoulder and an angel on the other. While that picture might make us laugh, the truth is, temptation often feels like a tug-of-war inside our own hearts. Sometimes the devil does not even need to whisper - our own desires can do the trick. The key is not to panic or give up but to remember that God’s grace is always greater than any pull toward sin.

The story of Lazarus reminds us that Jesus does not just strengthen us in temptation - He calls us out of spiritual death into new life. When we feel trapped by sin or weakness, His voice reaches into our tomb and says, “Come out.” That is why this Scrutiny is so powerful. It is the Church’s way of praying that God’s strength will be poured into you, so that when temptation comes, you will not be overcome.

Take a moment to reflect: what are the temptations you face most often? Is it anger, pride, lust, greed, or fear? Do you try to fight them alone, or do you call on God for help? Ask yourself: when temptation comes, do I run to prayer, to Scripture, to the sacraments - or do I try to manage it on my own?

Here’s your practical challenge: this week, memorize one short Scripture verse to use whenever you face temptation. For example, you might use Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Or James 4:7: “Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” Speak that verse out loud when temptation comes. You will be amazed at how the Word of God strengthens your heart. Also, make time for confession if you have not gone recently - it is one of the strongest ways God equips us to resist temptation.

In closing, remember this: temptation is real, but so is grace. The devil may try to whisper lies, but Christ’s voice is stronger. The Scrutiny reminds us that God’s power is greater than sin, His grace is stronger than temptation, and His love is deeper than our weakness. Next time, we will walk through Holy Week, the greatest story ever told - from Palm Sunday to the Triduum to the glory of Easter. Until then, trust in the One who is the resurrection and the life, and know that He will give you strength to stand firm.