(01 Apr 10 - RV) On Holy Thursday, the last act of Lent is the celebration of Chrism
Mass in diocese throughout the world.
Here at the Vatican some 1600 diocesan
priests, religious, bishops and cardinals renewed their priestly vows during the morning
Liturgy in a St. Peter’s basilica brim-full with religious sisters and faithful.
This is the mass at which the Bishop of Rome, like those in other dioceses
around the world, blesses the oils which will be used in the sacraments of baptism,
confirmation, holy orders and the anointment of the sick over the coming year. Much
of the liturgy was celebrated in Latin but for his homily, the Pope spoke in Italian.
At
the Chrism mass each Holy Thursday, priests are asked to renew their commitment to
Christ – and in his homily, Pope Benedict reflected on the consecrated oil as a sign
of God’s mercy:
“So the meaning of priestly anointing always includes the mission
to bring God’s mercy to those we serve” Pope Benedict recalled that
priestly anointing brings with it the mission to bring God’s mercy to the people the
clergy serve.
In reflecting on the olive branch as a symbol of peace, the
Pope pointed to Christ as the embodiment of peace. Christians should be people
of peace “Christians should therefore be people of peace” the Pope said.
“Christ does not conquer through the sword, but through the Cross. He wins by conquering
hatred … through the force of his greater love.” His is a !”no” to violence – and
as priests, the holy father continued, “we are called to oppose violence and to trust
in the greater power of love.”
Oil is not only used to anoint priests and martyrs
– it has long been used for kings and even soldiers ready for battle. And here, the
Pope reminded us that as Christians we are called to obey the laws of our nation but
we are called sometimes to fight for a truer justice – that of God.
It
is important for Christians to follow what is right “It is important for
Christians to follow what is right,” the Pope said: “the foundation of peace.” Today
it is important for Christians not to accept a wrong that is enshrined in law – for
example the killing of innocent unborn children”
The Holy Spirit, the Pope
said “is the oil of gladness – but a gladness of a different sort from the every day
entertainment we so often enjoy. That kind of gladness is only a small part of our
lives. The gladness that comes to us from Christ can coexist with suffering – it
enables us to share in the suffering of others and help each other”.
In the
fruit of the olive tree, in the consecrated oil, the Pope prayed that “the Lord’s
gladness pervade us ever more deeply so that we can transmit this joy to a world in
such urgent need of it”.