April 8, 2018 - "The Chrism Mass"

One of the features of the Mass of the Lord’s Supper on Holy Thursday evening was the Presentation of the Oils.  I was asked after the Mass was about the significance of these oils.  I want to devote the column today to this important question.  I am going to use a nice explanation that was printed in the back cover of the worship aid for the Chrism Mass that was celebrated by His Eminence Donald Cardinal Wuerl on Monday, March 26, 2018 at the Cathedral of Saint Matthew the Apostle. The blessing of the Oil of the Sick occurred before end of the Eucharistic Prayer, while the blessing of the Oil of Catechumens and the Holy Chrism came after Communion at that Mass.  Fr. Jack and I were among many concelebrants who renewed our priestly promises to Cardinal Wuerl during the course of the Chrism Mass. 
 
If, according to the Fathers of the Church, the olive tree stands as an image of the Father and its image of the Son, then the oil—that flows out in all directions as the ultimate and purest extract of tree and fruit—stands as an image of the Holy Spirit.  The use of blessed oil in the Church’s sacramental practice is the outward sign of the saving power of the promised Paraclete, the Spirit of Truth, who sanctifies the people of God.
 
Each year at the Chrism Mass, the bishop, as pastor of the local Church, blesses the oils that will be used throughout the year in the Church’s sacramental celebrations.
 
The Oil of Catechumens is used to anoint those preparing for baptism.  As athletes of old covered their bodies  with oil before entering the arena to prevent their opponent from grasping them and throwing them to the ground, so catechumens are anointed to remind them that the Christian life involves an ongoing struggle with Satan for which the Spirit strengthens them.
 
The Oil of the Sick is used to anoint those who are seriously ill.  Here the oil acts as a spiritual salve in which the Spirit effects healing of body and soul.  For those who are dying, the last anointing fortifies the end of their earthly life like a solid rampart for the final struggles before entering the Father’s house.
 
The Holy Chrism is used in the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Orders.  Here the oil signifies the sanctifying power of the Holy Spirit, who at baptism gives to those regenerated of water and the Spirit a share in Christ’s priesthood and royal and prophetic mission; who at confirmation strengthens the baptized to give witness to the faith before the world; and who, at Holy Orders strengthens the hands of the priest to raise up and distribute the transformed Gifts of the Eucharistic sacrifice, Christ’s own Body and Blood.
 
Until next week,
Fr. John Dillon