You Anoint My Head With Oil....
“Where the Bishop is, there let the multitude of believers be; even as where Jesus is, there is the Catholic Church” (Ignatius of Antioch, 1st century A.D.).
A Chrism Mass is celebrated during Holy Week in every Catholic diocese. This special Mass of great religious significance is an opportunity for all the priests of the diocese to renew their promise of obedience to their bishop. The holy oils for use in the coming year are consecrated at this Mass, where the most ancient traditions and rituals of the Church are witnessed.
The Chrism Mass is traditionally associated with Holy Thursday, recalling Jesus’ institution of the priesthood and the Eucharist at the Last Supper. Since the Second Vatican Council, bishops have the option of moving the Chrism Mass to a time when the clergy of every parish can assemble before the Paschal Triduum begins. Pope Paul VI added the acknowledgement of the ministry of priests to the Chrism Mass, but this is a celebration for the entire Christian community.
The Oil of Catechumen, the Oil of the Infirm, and Holy Chrism are consecrated for distribution to each parish by the bishop, who literally breathes upon the oil as a sign of the Holy Spirit coming down. The oils are used to distinguish a person, priest or bishop when they are ordained, an individual being baptized or confirmed, and for use in anointing the sick. A representative or deacon delivers the holy oils to each parish. The Easter Vigil fire burns with any consecrated oil left from the previous year, for the lighting of the Paschal Candle.
The Bible refers to the use of olive oil in the daily duties and spiritual life of the faithful. Oil was used for cooking, as fuel for lighting lamps or a healing agent; it was used to beautify ones appearance and to prepare a body for burial. Jewish people anointed the head of a guest in their home as a sign of welcome. Oils were also used in religious practices, such as offering a sacrifice or dedicating a memorial to God.
St. Hippolytus, in his Apostolic Tradition (A.D. 215) wrote of an “oil of exorcism” used at baptism. In our current baptismal liturgy, the priest says, “We anoint you with the oil of salvation in the name of Christ our Savior; may He strengthen you with His power, Who lives and reigns forever and ever.” Through God’s grace in this anointing, we sever the bondage of the past and overcome the opposition of the devil.
In Baptism we are set as a seal on God’s heart that can never be removed. Sanctified by the Spirit of God we shall never totally fall from the grace we receive. This is the Lord’s work, and not man’s; this oil comes from God, through Christ, by the Spirit! Saint Paul said, “Now He who establishes us with you in Christ and anointed us is God, who also sealed us and gave us the Spirit in our hearts as a pledge.” (2 Cor 1:21),
The Chrism Mass in the Diocese of Evansville will begin at 5:30 p.m. CDT on April 11 in St Benedict Cathedral. Bishop Charles C. Thompson, the main celebrant, will also be honoring the Anniversary of the Episcopal Ordination of Bishop Emeritus Gettelfinger. Just as the priest renews his ordination vows, our baptismal promises also need to be strengthened. The opposition from the devil is very much a concern, but have no fear; where Jesus is, there is the Catholic Church! Amen!
