HOMILY | Chrism Mass 2026

My dear brother priests, dear faithful of the Archdiocese of Cebu,

Today we gather as one Church, one presbyterium, one family—around the altar of the Lord—to bless the holy oils and to renew the grace of our priesthood.

At the heart of today’s liturgy is a powerful word: anointing.

In the Gospel, Jesus proclaims: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because He has anointed me…” (Luke 4:18).

Jesus is the Anointed One—the Christ. And through Him, we too have been anointed.

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The Meaning of Oil in Biblical Times

To understand this anointing, we must first understand the meaning of oil in the Bible.

In biblical times, oil was not ordinary. It was precious, valuable, and deeply symbolic.

• Oil was used for healing. The Good Samaritan poured oil on the wounds of the injured man (cf. Luke 10:34). Oil soothed, restored, and comforted.

• Oil was used for strength and refreshment. Shepherds would anoint the heads of their sheep to protect them from harm. As the Psalm says, “You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows” (Psalm 23:5).

• Oil was used for consecration. Kings, prophets, and priests were anointed with oil as a sign that they were chosen and set apart for God—like David, like Aaron.

To be anointed meant: You belong to God. You are chosen. You are sent.

And so, when Jesus says, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,” He is revealing His identity—and His mission.

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Anointed by God for a Mission

The prophet Isaiah tells us: “He has sent me to bring glad tidings to the poor, to heal the brokenhearted…” (Isaiah 61).

This is not only about Jesus. This is now our mission.

My dear brother priests, on the day of our ordination, our hands were anointed with sacred chrism. That anointing was not for privilege—it was for mission.

We are anointed:

• to preach, not ourselves, but Christ;

• to heal, not only wounds of the body, but wounds of the soul;

• to serve, not to be served.

As the Book of Revelation reminds us:

“He has made us into a kingdom, priests for His God and Father” (Rev 1:6).

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The Meaning of the Holy Oils

Today, we bless and consecrate the holy oils—simple in form, yet rich in grace.

• The Oil of the Sick:

The oil of healing and strength. Through it, Christ comforts those who suffer and assures them they are not alone.

• The Oil of Catechumens:

The oil of preparation and protection. It strengthens those preparing for Baptism to turn away from sin and embrace new life.

• The Sacred Chrism:

The oil of consecration. Used in Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Orders, it marks a person as belonging to Christ—sharing in His priestly, prophetic, and kingly mission.

Oil penetrates. Oil heals. Oil consecrates.

In every anointing, it is Christ Himself who touches His people.

And my dear priests—you are entrusted with that sacred touch.

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Renewing Our Priestly Promises

Today, you will renew your priestly promises.

This is not just a ritual. This is a moment of grace—and truth.

We are reminded: We are not our own.

We belong to Christ. We belong to His people.

In our time, we must confront real challenges—clericalism, entitlement, complacency, even discouragement.

But today, the Lord calls us back:

Back to humility. Back to simplicity.

Back to love.

The people do not need perfect priests.

They need good shepherds.

Shepherds who listen. Shepherds who walk with their people. Shepherds who serve with compassion.

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Anointed to Bring the Love of the Good Shepherd

My dear brother priests,

Never forget: You are anointed not for yourself, but for others.

Every time you anoint:

• a child in Baptism,

• a young person in Confirmation,

• a sick person in suffering,

• a penitent seeking mercy—

you make visible the love of the Good Shepherd.

But beyond the sacraments, your very life must become an anointing:

• in your kindness,

• in your patience,

• in your availability,

• in your compassion.

Sometimes, the most powerful “anointing” is not oil—but a heart that truly loves.

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Conclusion

My dear people of God,

Pray for your priests. Walk with them.

Support them.

And my dear brother priests, today, renew your “yes” with joy.

The Spirit of the Lord is upon you. You have been anointed. Go—bring glad tidings to the poor. Heal the brokenhearted. Proclaim liberty to captives.

Be the living presence of Christ, the Good Shepherd, for the people of Cebu.

Source: Maymay sa Magbalantay