Often when we think of the Church, we think of a building or the pope and the college of bishops. Yet, the Church is better understood as the communion of saints, as is professed in the Apostle’s creed.
This Church, made of the living stones of all the baptized (1 Peter 2:5), is most visible locally, when the faithful gather around her bishop, along with the priests and the deacons, for the celebration of the Mass.
One such celebration takes place every year during Holy Week when the bishop presides over the Chrism Mass, during which he blesses the oils of catechumen and the infirmed. Additionally, the bishop, joined by members of the presbyterate, the priests, will consecrate the oil of chrism. These oils will then be taken to the parishes throughout the Diocese to be used during the celebration of the sacraments, for many, as soon as the Easter Vigil.
The presbyterate will also renew promises made during their ordination to the priesthood. They will publicly recommit themselves to the service of the Church in collaboration with the bishop. Their priestly ministry assists all the faithful in living a life in the Holy Spirit.
During the Mass, the passage from the Gospel according to Saint Luke will be read, recounting Jesus preaching in the synagogue in Nazareth (Luke 4:16-21). Jesus quotes the Prophet Isaiah (61:1), “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, wherefore, he has anointed me to preach the good news to the poor.” The oil that is blessed is used to express our faith that those who receive the sacraments are truly anointed with the Holy Spirit.
From ancient times, oil has been used for a variety of purposes, often as a physical example of the Holy Spirit’s work in the lives of the faithful. Oil has been used for medicinal purposes, to bring healing and soothing. The Holy Spirit heals our spiritual wounds and soothes our spirits when agitated. Oil has been used to give light and heat. The Holy Spirit enlightens our minds so to do good and avoid evil, while warming our hearts, giving us strength needed to do the will of God. Oil also has the ability to soften things and even help to preserve them. The Holy Spirit softens the hardness of our hearts and preserves us from being hardened by sin.
Each of the oils is used for various purposes. The oil of the sick is used to anoint the infirmed, requesting that the Holy Spirit bring healing of mind and body to the one anointed, strengthening the sick person to persevere and not lose hope. The oil of catechumens helps the one anointed to resist the temptations of Satan. The oil of chrism is a mixture of olive oil and perfume. It is used to consecrate persons and places. It is used in baptism, confirmations and ordinations, as well as dedications of altars and church buildings. The sweet perfume recalls that those anointed are to have the sweet aroma of sanctity, pleasing to both God and people.
During the consecration of the chrism, the bishop will breathe on the oil, recalling the action of Jesus, who breathed on the Apostles after the Resurrection, stating, “Receive the Holy Spirit. Whose sins you forgive, they are forgiven.” (John 20:22-23) Jesus gave his Apostles and their successors the power of the Holy Spirit in order to communicate the redemption he won for us upon the Cross. Our sins are forgiven and we live a new life in the Spirit. We share in the life of Jesus, being anointed to bring the good news of salvation to the world.
The Chrism Mass, during which commitment to priestly ministry and the blessing of the oils takes place, recalls the anointing that the Holy Spirit has poured out upon the members of the Church, making them living stones. This anointing we have received is renewed every time we participate in the Eucharistic Sacrifice of the Mass, strengthening the bonds of charity, which holds the living stones together. This Church of living stones will become an anointing upon society, bringing healing and peace as it shares the Gospel of salvation in Jesus Christ.
All are invited to this year’s Chrism Mass that will be celebrated at 3:30 p.m. April 4 in Saint Agnes Church, Our Lady of Hope Parish, 701 Little Gloucester Road, Blackwood.
Father Jason Rocks is chancellor of the Diocese of Camden and pastor of Holy Eucharist Parish, Cherry Hill.
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