The Chrism Mass

Last Thursday, I took three of my teens down to the Chrism Mass at the Cathedral.  I had never been to a Chrism Mass before because it was always at least a three hour or more drive in Atlanta on a Thursday morning when I had class all day.  We arrived early as to get a good seat.  We patiently waited by praying Evening Prayer and quietly talking to one another.

Then the Mass began.  The bowl of incense was first, then the acolytes with candles, the lectors, and people who would be bringing up the oil later on in the Mass then all of the priests of the diocese, then deacons, and then finally Bishop Kinney with his crosier (aka staff) and his mitre (the tall hat).  The Liturgy of the Word went on as it normally does.  Then came time for the homily.  Bishop Kinney stressed our need for priests.  Even though there seems to be a lot of them the Church is in desperate need for them.  He also told how Christ gave His entire self to us.  He poured out everything that He had for us.  Out of His side water and blood gushed when the lance was thrust into His side.  Christ emptied Himself for us and we need to do the same for Him.  We need to empty ourselves and allow Christ to fills us. He reminded us that our priests need our prayers because they are constantly called to sacrifice their lives for Christ and they joyfully do it.  He then told us a story:  There were two priests in Baghdad, Iraq who were relatively new priests.  One was hearing Confessions and the other was saying Mass.  Terrorist came into the cathedral and began threatening the parishioners and the priests.  The young priests tried to reason with the terrorist and offer their lives if only they would let the people leave and go home.  Unfortunately, over 50 people were martyred that day including the two priests. They died for their faith because they fully knew that their faith was worth dying for.  Christ was worth dying for.

Then all of the priests stood and renew their vows.  Offering themselves, once again, to the service of the Church and Her people.  It was amazing hearing all of the priests say together that they will continue to do what God has called them to do.  We , as an assembly, promised to pray for our priests.  Then it was time for the blessing of oils.  Oil has been used through the centuries, dating back to the Jewish people, for anointing .  Exodus 30:22-33 :

Moreover the LORD spoke to Moses, saying: “Also take for yourself quality spices—five hundred shekels of liquid myrrh, half as much sweet-smelling cinnamon (two hundred and fifty shekels), two hundred and fifty shekels of sweet-smelling cane, five hundred shekels of cassia, according to the shekel of the sanctuary, and a hin of olive oil. And you shall make from these a holy anointing oil… And you shall anoint Aaron and his sons, and consecrate them, that they may minister to Me as priests.

 

The bishop blessed the oils and spoke a little bit about each one.  The first was the oil for the sick which is used to anoint people who are sick and dying.  (James 5:14) The second oil is the catechumens.  This oil is used prior to baptism.  It is the oil that is rubbed on a person's chest.  The third is the oil of Chrism . This oil is perfumed and is used at baptisms, confirmation, and ordinations.

Then we continued to the Liturgy of the Eucharist.  Two religious sisters, a Franciscan and a Benedictine (no habits) brought up the gifts.  Watching all the priests consecrating the hosts and saying the Eucharistic prayer was amazing!  To see all of these holy men doing what God called them to do.  God is so faithful let us continue to pray for our priests.