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“Thank you for saying Yes to Jesus”
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March 27, 2024The Chrism Mass is always a moment of unity before the holy celebration of the Easter Triduum. The priests of the diocese come together and join the bishop, who blesses the oils used for the anointing of the sick and catechumens and consecrates the sacred Chrism. Around 70 priests and ten deacons joined the solemn celebration at Corpus Christi Cathedral.
Bishop Mulvey referred to St. Paul, who wrote, “If we died with Christ, we believe that will also rise with Him” (see Rom 6:8). ‘We pray for all of you who will be baptized and anointed with these oils,” he said. The anointing is a sign that God is with us, “God stands by your side.” The Chrism, which is used for anointing during the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Ordination, as well as for dedication of new churches and altars, is named for Jesus Christ himself, “it reminds you that you are God’s people.”
At the end of the homily, he addressed the priests personally: “We have a life together… sometimes we don’t get along, but most of the time we do.” He thanked each one “for who you are and how valuable you are to the diocese and to your parishes.” Each one might also know their weaknesses—even Jesus felt weak before his Passion, but he reinvigorated himself in prayer, committed to the will of God.
As a brother priest, he advised them, “When you feel weak or helpless, do not turn away—go to the corner where you pray, and just be there with your Father who knows what you need.” The cross is our schooling, “and we never graduate.” The cross is not a piece of wood or an artifact but Jesus Himself, a person who wants to be our friend in every moment.
“We need converted hearts which beat every moment for God alone… we don’t need to know all of theology, but we need to know the person Jesus Christ.” Sometimes, a priest might feel unworthy standing at the altar, but he stands in a privileged place, chosen to say the words, “This is my body” and “This is my blood.” The bishop closed, “God said to you at one moment in your life, ‘I want you.’ Stand there and be there for the people in our diocese. I thank you for who you are and saying Yes to Jesus.”
The priests renewed their priestly promises before Bishop Mulvey consecrated the oil of the Sick, the Oil of Catechumens. He mixed fragranced balsam and olive oil for the Sacred Chrism. All priests extended their hands toward the Chrism as the bishop prayed, “And so almighty God, by the power of your love.” Accompanied by chants, the oils and the Chrism were taken to a side altar and, after the mass, distributed to the priests to use in their ministry throughout the year.
