Oil

[Epistemes]

In Psalm 133, the Psalmist sings,

*[Fraternity] is like a fine oil on the head, running down the beard, running down Aaron’s beard, onto the collar of his robes. *

This is a very powerful image to me, but one which I don’t completely understand. The idea of oil running down the collar of one’s robes seems messy and a touch annoying due to the clean-up. However, I recognize that I’m so far removed from properly valuing oil, that it seems to be in such abundance when needed, that even its use during chrismation has slightly lost its meaning for me.

So, I ask: Why oil? Why did the Israelites and early peoples value it so much? Why is it used as the substance of confirmation and chrism?

 

[Among_Strangers]

Please see Leviticus ch 8 for the historical ref of the anointing of Aaron and his sons. This might be a place to start in what you’re looking for.

 

[tee_eff_em]

I apologize that this does not speak to the OP, but I wanted to share:

I have been to deaconal and presbyteral ordinations aplenty, but until recently I had never attended an episcopal ordination. When it came time for the anointing, it was not the usual thumbful of oil dabbed on the forehead.

The ordinand donned what was essentially a linen bib and the principal consecrator poured about a cup of oil over his head. It was pretty impressive to watch.

tee

 

[Sr_Sally]

In Psalm 133, the Psalmist sings,

*[Fraternity] is like a fine oil on the head, running down the beard, running down Aaron’s beard, onto the collar of his robes. *

This is a very powerful image to me, but one which I don’t completely understand. The idea of oil running down the collar of one’s robes seems messy and a touch annoying due to the clean-up. However, I recognize that I’m so far removed from properly valuing oil, that it seems to be in such abundance when needed, that even its use during chrismation has slightly lost its meaning for me.

So, I ask: Why oil? Why did the Israelites and early peoples value it so much? Why is it used as the substance of confirmation and chrism?

I love this verse! I think of the oil as God’s graces and we want those soaking up into our hair, clothes, and skin!

I know some priests who do like to use the chrism oil! I’ll pray that one day I can witness a bishop’s ordination and the cup of oil flowing down into his robes.

 

[Catholic90]

My son was confirmed a few ago. The Archbishop used A LOT of oil on his forehead…it was almost running down to the tip of his nose. It was rather awkward, as my son did not know if he should wipe it or or not…it was tickling as it seeped downward!