Happy New Year!
December 31, 2024
Is any sick among you? Let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord.
~James 5:14
Anointed
Did you watch “The Crown,” a Netflix show about the life of Queen Elizabeth? There is a powerful scene where the Archbishop of Canterbury anoints Elizabeth on her head, collarbone, and hands with a spoon of holy oil at her coronation. Elizabeth is sitting behind the altar, hidden from all the gathered congregation, in a special, secret moment between her and God.
How do you pronounce the word "oil"? Regional dialect differences account for a few different pronunciations: some say /oy-ul/, others say /ohl/, and you might even hear it sometimes as /erl/. In our biblical witness, anointing with oil is also said in a several ways. The word "Messiah" comes from the Hebrew word mashiach, which means "anointed one." In Greek, cristos means the anointed one, which refers to the Christ.
You may have been present when someone in the Roman Catholic tradition received their sacramental Last Rites with oil, or perhaps you have heard someone talk about “anointing” as a moment where they felt the Holy Spirit.
The act of anointing with oil occurs often in the Bible. Literally, it means to mark someone with oil. Spiritually, it refers to someone who was set apart and designated: for leadership, for prayers, or for healing. It was a way to ask God and ancestors for protection. Any way you look at it, anointing represents a godly threshold.
At Saint John’s, we offer the ritual of anointing with oil each year at our Longest Night service. In addition to beautiful songs and prayers to help us connect with God, this service provides an opportunity to come forward, if you'd like, to share a prayer request of a burden or a desire, and to be anointed by a pastor. We provide the oil and the prayers, and God provides the rest.
In the Old Testament, prophets anointed priests and kings. In the New Testament, people wonder if Jesus is the Messiah, the Christ. This week, in our corner of Austin, we are talking about the longest night’s winter solstice, hearing your needs and prayers, and touching you with oil — oil which touches each part of these biblical stories.
How do you say “oil”? And in what ways is God speaking to you? I hope to see you Friday.
Service of the Longest Night
Friday, December 20, 7 p.m.
During this season of joy and light, we can also hold space for rest and quiet inspiration. Join us for this quiet, contemplative service meant to provide a haven from the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. Candlelight, soothing music, selected readings, and the opportunity to be anointed with oil make this service special. Guest musicians include harpist, Lisa Lamb, and violinist, Shelby Dems. This service is in-person only.
