The liturgy takes its name from the Chrism that is consecrated at the Mass. The Oil of the Sick and Oil of Catechumens are blessed as well. These oils are taken directly to each parish from the Mass and by week's end, many of them will have seen their first use.
The word "Chrism" comes from "Christ." This olive oil, perfumed with balsam and other scents, is anointed on the hands of priests at their ordination, poured onto altars and rubbed into walls of new churches at their dedication, traced in the form of a cross on people being confirmed as well as on the heads of babies at their baptism. It is yet another sign of Christ, reminding us that the priest stands "in the person of Christ;" that the altar--where the Sacrifice of Christ is re-presented--is itself a reminder of Christ; and that the church building itself stands as a witness to Christ in the community. It is used in baptism and confirmation to remind us all that we are "priests, prophets and kings" and that we are anointed in the Spirit preparing for a life of strenuous witness to God.
The Chrism Mass itself, "manifests the communion of the presbyters with their bishop...[and is] a clear expression of the unity of the priesthood and sacrifice of Christ, which continue to be present in the Church" (Ceremonial of Bishops, 274).
Unity is vital to the Church ("the essence of the Church" according to the Catechism). It is of such importance that it was on the mind of Jesus as he prayed in the Garden.
I pray not only for them, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, so that they may all be one, as you, Father, are in me and I in you, that they also may be in us, that the world may believe that you sent me. And I have given them the glory you gave me, so that they may be one, as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may be brought to perfection as one, that the world may know that you sent me, and that you loved them even as you loved me. (John 17:20-23)
Unfortunately, unity clearly is lacking in many aspects of Church life. Unity, like much of our faith, is difficult because God is the granter of unity (we can't make it happen on our own) but he wills our participation in this great work (he doesn't do it without us). He continuously provides us with models, most especially in the sending of his Son to become like us in all things but sin and to suffer, die and rise for us.
In my opinion unity today often takes on the form of "if you come to me we will be united." For Christians, we must always be willing to take the initiative (again and again, if necessary). It doesn't mean we compromise the Truths of our faith. It simply means that we follow Christ's example.
He is the Word that brings salvation.
He is the hand you stretch out to sinners.
He is the way that leads to your peace. (Eucharistic Prayer, Mass of Reconciliation II)
Following up on the oil theme, I have selected an excerpt from Leonard Bernstein's Chichester Psalms as today's Holy Week choral selection. In this movement he combines a lush setting of Psalm 23 with a frenetic setting of Psalm 2. (The entire work is set in Hebrew.) I have often thought that the solo for boy soprano at the beginning of this music is one of the most sublime pieces ever written.
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