Chrism Mass in San Antonio...Tuesday of Holy Week...3-26-24

Church of the Holy Spirit

Observations from the "Man in the Pews"

·      We sit in the midst here tonight in a Living Church started by Christ through His Blood and Water...

·      The Holy Spirit will continue to guide us...

·      The Archbishop referenced the reading below, restating that “the Spirit of the Lord is upon us, to bring good news to the poor”

o   Luke 4:18-19 ““The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,    because he has anointed me        to bring good news to the poor.He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives    and recovery of sight to the blind,        to set free those who are oppressed,19 to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”

·      Speaking about the many priests gathered for this Mass, he mentioned how strong a brotherhood is the Priests’ Confraternity, gathering prior to the Celebration sharing their priestly stories with each other...

·      He said that, “Good News is surely and sorely needed in these times in our World to help us to Celebrate the Sacred Mysteries of Christ...

·      The Holy Oils...All three types: OIL OF THE SICK; OIL OF CATECHUMENS; OIL FOR THE CHRISM, help the Church to celebrate all the Sacraments of Christ to build the Body of Christ...

·      Speaking of the Oil for the Chrism, the Archbishop recalled to them how they were first anointed with the Sacred Chrism during their Ordinations, consecrating them to God’s Service...

·      That said, the Priests present there renewed their Priestly Promises to continue to serve the People of God...

·      In Addition to the Priests’ Ministering in the community, the Laity must follow suit to share in this great task...

·      This in turn brings greater Unity to the Church...

·      “We are called to be instruments of God’s Grace in the World” was the Archbishop’s key line for the night!!!

·      As we all share in the Mission of Christ...

·      Whether the Ordained Priesthood or the Baptismal One, we are all anointed Priest, Prophet, and King like Christ to share in the aforementioned Great Mission...led by the Spirit Of Love...especially to the poor and vulnerable...

·      Let us all keep our fervor for the Gospel being led by the Holy Spirit...

Our Lady of Guadalupe, Pray for Us!!!