Back in January, we spent a day thinking about the physical signs and gestures we use in the Sacrament of Baptism and, most importantly, thinking about their greater meaning. Now we will look more deeply at just one of those sacramental signs, the oil we call Chrism. We'll trace the history of olive oil from the very beginning (Genesis) through the Old Testament, when it was used to anoint priests (Exodus) and kings (1 Samuel), through the life of Jesus and on to us today. We are anointed with Chrism at Baptism and again at Confirmation. Many of our sacramental signs can be traced through such a long and inclusive history. It is particularly meaningful right now, just as we finished studying the blossoming of communal worship during the Exodus, to see how we are connected, through our sacraments, with the people that were led by Moses into a deep and loving relationship with God called covenant.

Here is the prayer of anointing from the Rite of Baptism:

Through this presentation, we learn that our liturgy is rooted in Jewish worship,  and that even today, we share an important part of worship in common.  For a long time before Jesus was born and for all the time since then, Jewish people have been gathering together to listen to the Word of God, read from scrolls, and reflect on its meaning.  Jews do this in synagogues, particularly on their Sabbath.  In the scrolls, it is written that a Messiah will come, a light in the darkness.  People wonder when and how.  The Word does not say exactly, so people gather to listen to the Word and ponder its meaning, either quietly in their hearts or through discussion with others.

We begin our historical reflection by reading about a particular day in Jesus' life (Luke 4:14-22a). Jesus was asked to read in the synagogue. He read words from the prophet Isaiah:

"The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring glad tidings to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, and to proclaim a year acceptable to the Lord."

Jesus then returned to the congregants and said, "Today this scripture passage is fulfilled in your hearing." That made a stir! Yet we know that Jesus continued to teach in synagogues and public areas, and big crowds were drawn to him.

After Jesus' death and resurrection, the apostles, strengthened by the Holy Spirit to go out from behind locked doors, continued Jesus' work in the synagogues.  Now, when they read from the scrolls, their reflections and discussions interpreted the Word in light of their belief that Jesus, the one who was crucified and is risen, is the Messiah.

Such discussions and interpretations in the synagogue sometimes became very heated.  And so, the apostles and small Christian communities began meeting in other places, usually homes.  Still, just as had been their Jewish tradition, they would gather to listen to the Word of God, still read from the same scrolls, and reflect on it, discussing it in light of the stories of the life of Jesus.  To this familiar liturgy, the early communities added a meal, particularly remembering Jesus through the bread and wine.

[Repeated from Level I newsletter.] It's time to plan ahead for 2013/14. St. Teresa of Avila offers lots of faith formation programs. Because our programs are thriving, we need new adults to help. Talk to catechists you know about their personal experiences: how and why they got started? the challenges they've overcome? the joys they've experienced?

Even without knowing exact numbers, it's safe to say we'll have need for new catechists. And you can also help by spreading the word about these great programs. We want new children to participate, as well as new adults to help. Even if it's not right for you, you may know just the right person. Personal encouragement and invitation makes all the difference in this type of "recruiting!" The faith formation ministries to consider are:

• Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Level I (age 3-6), Level II (age 6-9), and Level III (age 9-12)
• EDGE Middle School Program (7th and 8th grade) - need new catechists; young adults particularly desirable
• High School Program (hopefully starting new in 2013/14!) - have leaders; looking to add kids to existing group
• Children's Liturgy of the Word at 9AM Mass - want new leaders so we can split into two groups, roughly (a) below 2nd grade and (b) 2nd grade and up
• First Reconciliation and Communion Prep - welcome new helpers
• Parents' Preparation for Infant Baptism - need about two new ministers
• RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults) - need new catechists/parishioner supporters