The Chrism Mass is one of the most solemn and important celebrations of the liturgical year. Ordinarily, its celebration ushers us into the Tridium. Except in a case of distress or pandemic, or suitable reasons adjudged by the local Ordinary, the public celebration of Chrism mass takes place on the morning of Holy Thursday. The Chrism Mass “should be, as it were, a manifestation of the Priests’ communion with their Bishop or Archbishop. The renewal of priestly commitments and the blessing and consecration of sacred oils are the hallmark of this celebration. At the chrism Mass, along with the blessing of sacred oils is the celebration of the institution of the priesthood. The Mass takes its name from the blessing of the sacred oils, which are to be used by Priests in the administration of the sacraments throughout the year. The Holy Oils are: Oil of Catechumensfor the celebration of Baptism, Oil of the Sick- for the celebration of the sacrament of the anointing of the sick and the Sacred Chrism- for the celebration of Holy Orders, baptism, confirmation.
And also for the dedication of Churches. Unlike the Oils of the Sick and Catechumen which are blessed, the Scared Chrism is consecrated. Usually mixed with balsam (an aromatic resin), the sacred chrism is breathed into by the bishop, signalling the calling down of the Holy Spirit for its consecration. The history of this celebration can be traced to a 3rd century rite given by the historian Hippolytus. He gives account of a ceremony of the blessing of two oils and a consecration of a third. The fifth century, witnessed a shift of this celebration from the Easter vigil to a solemn celebration on Holy Thursday, as distinct from the celebration of the mass of the Lord’s Supper. The use of oils in worship and for liturgical purposes, can be traced to back to the Old Testament, which records the use of oils for the anointing of Priests and kings as well as its use for liturgical purposes. The blessing and consecration of oils, as well as the readings and liturgical composition of prayers, reminds us that the anointing of the Holy Spirit brings about consecration and that Christ Himself, was consecrated our great High Priest. Anointing with oil has all these meanings in the sacramental life.
The pre-baptismal anointing with the oil of catechumens signifies cleansing and strengthening; the anointing of the sick expresses healing and comfort. The post-baptismal anointing with sacred chrism in Confirmation and Ordination is the sign of consecration. By Confirmation Christians, that is, those who are anointed, share more completely in the mission of Jesus Christ and the fullness of the Holy Spirit with which he is filled, so that their lives may give off ‘the aroma of Christ.’ {[2 Cor 2, 15] Catechism of the Catholic Church No. 1294.} Thus in two of the sacraments of initiation- baptism and confirmation, we are anointed with chrism, which is the seal of the Holy Spirit, as a reminder that we all share in the common priesthood of Christ, for “Christ… adorns with a royal priesthood the people he has made his own.” Again, the Old Testament gives credence of the power of God’s Spirit through sacred anointing. This is the spirit brought about by the anointing of which Isaiah speaks of, the spirit of the Lord is upon me because he has anointed me … (Is. 61:1). Thus at the anointing of the hands of the priests at ordination, we see in the individual, a transformation of configuration brought about by the Holy Spirit and the consecration for sacred duties.
We also see how with a brother’s kindness, Christ continually chooses men to become sharers in His sacred ministry. The distinctiveness of the Catholic priesthood is rooted in the priesthood of Jesus Christ. In the celebration of the Chrism Mass, we are reminded that Jesus’ priesthood, continues in the Church. Thus the renewal of priestly promises at the Chrism Mass reminds us of the integrity to which they are called as priests of Jesus Christ. The priest therefore, becomes another Christ anointed by the Spirit and charged with ministering to the flock entrusted in his care. In this renewal, the Priest promises to be more united with the Lord Jesus and more closely conformed to him. Also, to be faithful stewards of the mysteries of God, discharging faithfully their sacred office. At ordination, Christ anoints Priests with the oil of gladness and invites them to accept and appreciate this great gift: the gladness, the joy of being a priest. Priestly joy is a priceless treasure.
Pope Francis identifies three features of this joy. It is a joy which anoints us, a joy which is imperishable and a missionary joy. These three features are guarded by three sisters who surround it, tend it and defend it: sister poverty, sister fidelity and sister obedience. Thus priestly joy is only complete, when the priest remains faithful to the priesthood of Jesus Christ. Knowing that who and what one is becomes meaningless except when hinged on Christ. A river which forgets its source is said to soon dry up. Same could be said of a priest who forgets his source. The vows are to help the Priest in his fidelity to his master. Poverty, fidelity and obedience helps the Priest in his primary challenge of being a first a Christian and then Ipse Christus.
Robert Cardinal Sarah notes that the crisis of the world and the Church which we experience today, is as a result of the rupture between the Priest and Christ. The celebration of the institution of the Priesthood presents again to Priests and opportunity to be recommitted to the Lord. Jesus says clearly: Cut away from me you can do nothing (Jn. 15:5). Pope Francis reminds us: The priest is the poorest of men unless Jesus enriches him by his poverty, the most useless of servants unless Jesus calls him his friend, the most ignorant of men unless Jesus patiently teaches him as he did Peter, the frailest of Christians unless the Good Shepherd strengthens him in the midst of the flock. No one is more “little” than a priest left to his own devices… Without Jesus the priest is empty and can do nothing. On this anniversary of the institution of the priesthood, we all must pray with our Lady, Queen of Clergy, that Priests in their daily lives may constantly and always make the fundamental choice for God or Nothing
