The Anointed

During Holy Week, every diocese celebrates the Chrism Mass, in which the bishop blesses and consecrates the sacred oils used in sacraments throughout the year.

The use of holy oil goes back before Christianity. In ancient Israel, priests and kings were anointed with oil in order to be set apart. Oil was also used to bless holy objects. This oil was a mix of myrrh, cinnamon, cassia, olive oil, and possibly calamus. “A smell pleasing to the Lord” indeed.

Olive oil was an important product to the Israelites; it was used not only in sacred ceremonies, but in everyday uses: it was a way to clean bodies, treat wounds, and fuel lamps. Olive oil was associated with health, knowledge, wealth, and joy. In religious settings, it represented the blessings of God.

Jacob anoints a stone pillar, marking the place of his vision of the ladder to heaven as a sacred place. Moses is given instructions for mixing holy oil for anointing. Samuel anointed David, marking him as the appointed future king of Israel.

At Jesus’ birth, the wise men bring myrrh and frankincense, resins used in incense and oils. After Jesus’ death, the women bring oil and spices to prepare his body.

In Christianity, anointing is offered to all, not just priests and kings. In fact, Christ means “anointed one,” so anointing is right at the heart of Christianity. We are all God’s children, and we are all called to be set apart from the world of stink and decay.

In the Church, there are three oils uses in the sacraments: the chrism, the oil of the catechumens, and the oil of the sick. Chrism is made of olive oil and balsam. It is used for confirmation and holy orders. Chrism is also used to consecrate altars and dedicate churches. At the Chrism Mass, the bishop mixes the balsam into the olive then breathes over it, representing the Holy Spirit’s consecration of the oil.

The oil of the catechumens, also called the oil of exorcism, is used for baptism (which includes a prayer of exorcism). This oil is not only meant to set apart but to put to flight any contagion, like sin or demons, that might try to prevent the reception of saving grace. This oil is pure olive oil (but still smells amazing!)

The oil of the sick, also pure olive oil, is used in the sacrament of anointing of the sick, or unction. This sacrament is mentioned in James 5:14-15: “Is any among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord; and the prayer of faith will save the sick man, and the Lord will raise him up; and if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven.” There are also several verses in the Gospels which refer to anointing your head with oil or healing the sick with oil.

Anointing is purification. It reminds us that we are chosen and called to be something more—something pure and holy. We are claimed and marked and cleansed.