Chrism Mass 2009

Intro:  The story is told that a king who had no children of his own was going to pick a successor to his throne.  He told the three highest officials in his kingdom that he was going to pick one of them.  He set an appointment with all three at the same time in one week and said he would then choose one of them.  The only thing he said was they were to bring no money with them.  All three went out and bought a brand new suit, shirt and tie, as they all wanted to look their best for their appointment with the king.

The day arrived and all three headed to their appointment.  The first two came upon a beggar who was dressed in rags and he asked them for help. Each one said that they would want to help but they had no money with them.  The third man came along and the beggar asked for help.  The high official told him that he had no money, but what he would do was to exchange clothing with him.  He could always sell the clothes if he wished.  They then exchanged clothes. 

When all three were together at the palace the first two men couldn’t believe their eyes.  Here was their friend dressed I rags.  They told him, how could he come this way if he hoped to be chosen as king, and laughed at him.

At the appointed time, all three entered in the presence of the king, and there was the king dressed in the suit and third man had given to the beggar.

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     We all know we are called to find Christ in others, to serve Christ in others, to love Christ in others, especially in the poor and those most in need.  But if we are going to find Christ in others, we must first realize his intimate presence within us.

     These oils we bless today are a reminder of the presence and love of Christ for us and within us.

     Through our anointing at Baptism, we became identified with Christ, rise and die with Him to a new life, becoming one with Christ.  Christ truly lives in us and in this world through our lives.

      Through our anointing at Confirmation we are empowered to share in the very mission of Christ, by giving us the Spirit to bear witness to his love within us.  

       When a man is ordained, he is anointed, as we will hear in the preface of the Mass, to set before God’s family his paschal meal, to lead his holy people in love, to nourish them by his word, and to strengthen them through the sacraments. 

     When the sick are anointed they are reminded of Jesus within them, and of his forgiveness and consolation and strength.   

      As we now renew our promises to God and bless these oils, let us give thanks and praise to God for making us a royal nation of priests in the service of God the Father, anointed to proclaim the good news,  anointed to find, to serve and to love Christ, especially in those most in need.