There are many stories in Scripture about people being anointed with oil. People were anointed as part of taking on a new role in the community, namely that of priest, prophet, and king. This idea is part of the Order of Baptism for Children. After the baptism, the child is anointed with Sacred Chrism with this prayer: He [God] now anoints you with the Chrism of salvation, so that you may remain members of Christ, Priest, Prophet and King, unto eternal life.” We are called to celebrate (priest), proclaim (prophet), and serve (king) the Reign of God.
Priest: The priest offers sacrifices to God and acts as a bridge between God and humankind. As St. Peter has said, “You are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people of his own, so that you may announce the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light." 1 Peter 2:9. What this means in a practical way is that as lay women and men our responsibility is to give witness to our faith in the way we live our lives every day and everywhere. As priestly people, we are called to present the events of our day as an offering to God—in thanksgiving for all that God has given us.
Prophet: A prophet is a speaker of God’s word or a messenger of God. Jesus is the Word of God made flesh. St. Francis of Assisi has a wonderful saying, "Preach the Gospel at all times and if necessary, use words.” We are witnesses to Christ in the midst of the ordinary circumstances of the world.
King: The king is the supreme ruler. However, Jesus is a servant king; a shepherd king; a king who laid down his life for us to be redeemed – his crown made of thorns. As steward kings, we are to care for the kingdom for God on earth, to be a partner with God in the transformation of the world in the light of the Gospel. We are stewards of creation.
Sacred Chrism is a mixture of olive oil and a fragrance, usually balsam. There are two options for the Prayer of Consecration over the Chrism. The uses of Chrism are set out in one of the prayers: "Pour out in abundance the gifts of the Holy Spirit on our brothers and sisters anointed with this oil; adorn with the splendor of holiness the places and things signed by sacred oils; but above all, by the mystery of this oil, bring to completion the growth of your Church" (OBO* no. 25-2).
Chrism is consecrated by the bishop at the Chrism Mass, on or approaching the morning of Holy Thursday. It is said to be consecrated because it has been set aside for sacred usage.
This Sacred Chrism is then distributed and used by the priests in that diocese. At the Mass, the bishop breathes over the Chrism vessel symbolizing both the breath of God over the waters of creation (Gen 1:2), and Jesus, after the resurrection, breathing on the apostles and saying, “Receive the Holy Spirit.” Chrism is used in Baptism, Confirmation, and Ordination to call down the gifts of the Holy Spirit. It is also used for places and things, namely in the dedication or consecration of the altar and walls of a Church.
*OBO - The Order of Blessing the Oil of Catechumens and of the Sick and of Consecrating the Chrism (OBO) can be found on the United States Bishops website. Take time to reflect on the words of the prayers for the blessings of the three oils. Which oils have you received? What can you recall about the experiences? How do you feel about being anointed with oil?
Thank you for reading this blog entry. I hope you are feeling affirmed in what you know and maybe being helped to expand what you know. If you know anyone who would like to learn more about liturgy, please refer them to my website. Thanks! I appreciate the time you are giving to my efforts.