Navigation |
Most Rev. Robert J. CarlsonChrism Mass 2006As we gather together as Diocesan Church for the blessing of the oils, I am mindful of the words of St. Augustine that spoke of what he called the "'sacrament' of the chrism" as the inward unity of the Church, which is the bond of love.How true this was for me, this past year, with those I was privileged to baptize and confirm administering the oil of catechumens and the Chrism. How blessed I was, when using the oil of the sick, I anointed my brother priests Gerald Kulka and Jeff Donner. The oils are such an important part of our sacramental ministry strengthening the people and giving fuller meaning to their faith lives. St. Ambrose and others frequently mention chrism in the writings of the early Church, and while not mentioned in the New Testament, St. Thomas Aquinas refers to its liturgical use as going back to Christ himself. It is in this sense, then, that we approach the Gospel text. Jesus had returned to Nazareth and was given the opportunity to instruct the people and it was the text from Isaiah that he would use to announce the beginning of his public ministry. "The spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim the release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord." The Holy Spirit has anointed Jesus for the mission the Father has entrusted to him. The Gospel text, then, becomes the first messianic declaration. Christ invites those who hear the message into relationship with him and invites them to come to know the Father. This is true for each one who will be anointed with these oils in response to Christ's call to trust in God's goodness and mercy and not in things. St. John Chrysostom, reflecting on this text, reminds us that the Messiah has come to free us from the blindness and oppression of sin which is a tyranny of evil. Jesus has come to redeem us from sin through his suffering death and Resurrection. "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you to the close of the age." (Matthew 28:19-20) At the same time the Body of Christ is called to a special concern for those most in need. Jesus realized we cannot solve every problem but we cannot ignore the poor either. In a special way, today, we join in solidarity with our Hispanic brothers and sisters urging immigration reform and reaching out with the hands of Christ to illegal immigrants who are here trying to earn a living to support their families. Today is the acceptable time to remind the people of our day of the redemption brought by Christ, and at the same time to let them see the face of Christ in us as we work for peace and justice. | ||||||
