Oil, water, ashes—The Catholic Church uses several substances with which to anoint its members. Holy oils—in the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Orders, and in the Anointing of the Sick. Immersion in water or pouring it over the head in Baptism. Many Christian denominations anoint their members with ashes on Ash Wednesday.
The anointings all require touching a person, which in
itself helps to heal. In a pandemic each touch is reevaluated. How can we keep
from spreading the virus? Social distancing does not bring much comfort. The
sign of peace is reduced to a wave. Using oil can require sanitizer before and
after.
As we move forward to a time when we can greet one
another without a mask and touch one another without a disinfectant, let us
recall the words of Thomas Merton in The
Monastic Journey:
“The Church uses material things in the
liturgy because they speak eloquently of God…we must learn to use our senses…to
appreciate the sacramental aids to holiness…” He continues, “The material
things which surround us are holy because of our bodies, which are sanctified
by our souls, which are sanctified by the presence of the indwelling word.”
Sr. Christa Ckrienbrink, OSB
