The Word Became Flesh

One of the most joyful days in the ministry of a bishop is the day on which he gathers with his priests in his cathedral for the Chrism Mass. At this Mass, celebrated on Holy Thursday morning, or anticipated if necessary, the bishop blesses the sacred oils which are used in the celebration of the sacraments: the oil of chrism, the oil of catechumens and the oil of the sick. Following the Mass, these blessed oils are dispersed to all the parishes throughout the diocese to be utilized for their sacred purposes.
This beautiful custom demonstrates the solidarity of the bishop with his priests and also the communion of the bishop and his clergy with all of the faithful in the diocese.
Another significant aspect of the Chrism Mass is the renewal of commitment to priestly service in which the bishop and priests participate. It is a joyful moment of gratitude for the gift of Holy Orders and a solemn reminder of the sacred duties which the priest assumes through ordination. I look forward with great anticipation to celebrating the Chrism Mass for the first time as your Archbishop and to join with my brother priests in pledging anew our commitment to Christ, his Church and to strive for ever greater holiness.
In Gift and Mystery, Pope John Paul II’s reflections on the 50th anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood, the Holy Father writes, “If we take a close look at what contemporary men and women expect from priests, we will see that, in the end, they have but one great expectation: they are thirsting for Christ. Everything else — their economic, social and political needs — can be met by any number of other people. From the priest, they ask for Christ! And from him, they have the right to receive Christ.”
Holy Thursday, the day on which Jesus instituted both the Holy Eucharist and the priesthood, provides the opportunity for all priests to remember that they are configured to Christ, our Eucharistic Lord. To the faithful, priests must bring Christ; for the faithful, priests must be Christ.
Troubling days have descended upon the Church in the wake of allegations of clerical sexual abuse. Some priests, who were ordained to be Christ for others, have caused great harm and suffering in the lives of victims and their families.
Understandably, many of the faithful have been disturbed by the accusations leveled against some priests. Many priests have become disheartened by the pain caused by those who are guilty of such abuse.
A shadow has been cast on the face of the priesthood due to the transgressions of some. Yet, in this time of turbulence, we must recall that shadows are dispelled by the light. For us, the light is Christ.
Holy Thursday affords priests a springtime of hope that, as they renew their commitment to the promises of their ordination, so they declare their desire to be united to Christ, to teach Christ and to imitate Christ by the integrity of their lives.
The more they are configured to him, the more clearly the face of Christ will shine forth from his priests and his light will dispel the darkness.
This day also invites all of the faithful to express their gratitude for their priests. The Archdiocese of Philadelphia is blessed with many wonderful priests who, in their day-to-day ministry, bring Christ to countless people.
Pray for your priests. Encourage your priests. Thank God for your priests and everyday ask God to increase their number. Pray also for me that, as your Archbishop, I may fulfill faithfully the office of apostle and the role of shepherd which have been entrusted to me.
The renewal of commitment to priestly service during the Chrism Mass concludes with a prayer offered by the bishop. Today, as I offer this prayer, I will have in my heart every priest and all of the faithful of this wonderful Archdiocese.
May this prayer be your prayer as well: May the Lord in his love keep you close to him always, and may he bring all of us, his priests and people, to eternal life.
Amen.