The Holiest of Weeks


Holy Week for Christians officially begins with today, the celebration of Palm to Passion Sunday. Tomorrow (Monday) and Tuesday various members of the clergy from our region will gather for the annual "Chrism Mass."
This annual gathering includes a light breakfast and social time, a conversation with our Bishop for about half hour, and then a reflection led by someone, theme - Holy Week. Afterward we celebrate Eucharist and renew our ordination vows.
We also "bless" new Chrism, olive oil scented with herbs from an ancient recipe used during baptism, "You are marked as Christ's own forever." It is a wonderful fragrance.
I use this oil for our healing services and for all occasions of anointing because in the process of praying for healing (wholeness and harmony in ones life, not necessarily "cure")...in the process of praying this oil reminds us of the new life found in baptism, which is often similar to the new life found in wholeness...if you know what I mean.


So tomorrow (Monday) I will participate in this time of renewal intended to help us, as clergy, find wholeness as we prepare for Holy Week. It is however my day off, so even though I will be"working" ie with other clergy doing Church related stuff, I think I will find refreshment and nourishment in the day.
And sometimes I even get ideas for my Easter sermon....let's hope it's that fruitful...

Comments

Unknown said…
It sounds lovely, mompriest. I hope the day proves fruitful in all sorts of ways.
hip2b said…
I didn't know that the oil was special before...I mean I guess I knew it wasn't cooking oil. I've only seen an anointing once, and it was a very sad time. Here's hoping that you don't need to use much of it.

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