Humans are both body and soul, and therefore it is fitting that in our liturgy we use material things for the worship of God and for our sanctification. Whenever we use a ‘material’ element during the celebration of Mass or the other sacraments, it is important to consider the natural’ properties of that element. Oil is used in number of different things. We use it in cooking, cosmetics and grooming products, and in our cars and machines. Oil is used for protection, for strength, for healing, and for energy. The meaning of the oil used depends on the sacrament or sacramental that is it used in.
Oil of Catechumen
During the celebration of Rites of Christian Initiation for Catechumens and in Baptism, the Oil of Catechumens is used. In this manner, it emphasises the ‘protection’ property of oil. When this oil is blessed, God, the strength and protection of is his people is invoked. We pray that those anointed with this oil receive divine wisdom and power, that they many understand the Gospel and that the labours of the Christian life may be undertaken with generosity. The Christian life is a life of struggles and challenges. We fight against hatred, evil, injustice, selfishness, and sin. We need the protection and strength of God at all times.
Oil of the Sick
During the celebration of the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick, the Oil of the Sick is used. In this manner, it emphasises the ‘healing’ properties of oil. When this oil is blessed, God, the Father of all consolations is invoked, who willed to heal the infirmities of the weak. We pray that it may be a safeguard for body, soul, and spirit, that the sick may be freed for all pain, infirmity, and sickness. Sickness is part of human existence. We have a God who experienced suffering and death, and therefore is able to have compassion on us during our times of sickness.
Chrism
During the celebration of the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, Priestly Ordination, Episcopal Ordination, and in the Rites of a Dedication of a Church and Altar, Chrism is used. In this manner, it emphasises the ‘energy’ property of oil. Chrism is mixed with fragrances, traditionally balsam. Balsam is a very aromatic and resinous substance which come from various plants. When this oil is consecrated, God, the author of all growth and spiritual progress is invoked, so that riches of his grace, through the sacred Chrism, may be bestowed richly on all humanity. Specifically, that they may be strengthened and conformed to Christ as prophet, priest, and king through the gift of the Holy Spirit. One enters into the Paschal Mystery of Christ. When this oil is consecrated, the Bishop breathes upon it to emphasis the working of the Holy Spirit. Those people and places/objects which Sacred Chrism is applied on are dedicated or set aside to being the temple of God. Ina sense, the people and places/objects becoming a ‘fragrance’ of Christ for the world.
Usually, these oils are blessed and consecrated at the Chrism Mass which occurs traditional on Thursday of Holy Week. However, for logistical reasons, it may be moved to a more convenient day. This liturgy is among the principal manifestations of the fullness of the Bishop’s Priesthood and the intrinsic bond that the priests of the diocese have with the Bishop. These oils are blessed and consecrated in light of the celebration of the Sacraments of Initiation at the Easter Vigil. We are reminded to make use of olive oil or, if appropriate, another oil extracted from plants. Consideration should be given to making us of ethical and fair trade oil.
(cf. “The order of Blessing the Oil of Catechumens and of the Sick and of Consecrating the Chrism” of The Roman Pontifical)
