What is a chrism?
The Catholic Church widely uses lots of physical materials in the administration of its sacraments. There are three kinds of sacramental oils: the oil of Catechumens, the Oil of the Sick, and Sacred Chrism. The last is a kind of multi-purpose oils used for many kinds of sacraments and blessings. It should be necessarily blessed by a bishop or a priest. Another important condition is the contents, as chrism should contain pure olive oil. It typifies the generous outpouring of sacramental grace. The second canonic ingredient is balsam, which represents the inborn sweetness of Christian virtue.
The term chrism is derived from the Greek word chriō, meaning ‘anoint’.
More Info:
www.newadvent.org
What are your thoughts on this subject?
45 Comments
Jeanne Reyes
I'm not Catholic, but c'mon, just because you dont believe in it you have to insult it?Your status says 'Retired' but I think you have some growing up to do. sigh!
Albeck1994
Why do some people feel the need to copy and paste the answer in comments. we are all capable of reading the answer
William Laughlin
Albeck Wilson-Smith I have asked her the same thing several times to no avail. She will probably not answer you.
Bill Coe
Daniel, your sense of humour is just a little off the wall. But some people need to grow a bit thicker skin. I guess there are just some things you shouldn't make fun of: people's religion and people's politics.
Karin Johansson
It is also perfume in it!
dmarkc
The duct tape of oils.
Howard Groopman
Guessed right, because I think the other two choices were the same as chasm and schism.
Char
Bridy4u , I can't be around them today sets my asthma right off
Char
Bill Coe, I disagree no thicker skin is needed just better manners some were never taught
Char
Just sounded most logical though I never heard of this I'm the Catholic religion before..though I know many Jews anointed with oil
Christine Statham
"chrism" is an uncountable noun so the question should be "What is chrism?"
Rob Orr
Got it right based on the logic that the correct answer was too detailed and specific to be have been thrown in randomly to fill up the multiple choice
Ilias Tsiabardas
Got it right
Kathryn Cavanagh
Not being Catholic I had no idea. Just made a wild guess, WRONG...!! Oh well, next time will know, if I remember..!!
Cheryl Perkins
I am not a believer but I knew the answer.
Joseph A. Robitaille
The question was a good one but I miss because of my spelling.
Chrissy Krainock Luders
Carol McClellan, Wikipedia (for what it’s worth) listed “Northern Lutherans” as participants.
Chrissy Krainock Luders
Not all faiths add balsam, but all use pure olive oil. The symbolism is that Christ went thru the Garden of Gethsemane, (olive trees) bleeding from every pore, being crushed like olives from the weight of the worlds sins upon him. Balsam has other symbolism, but all faiths do not add it.
Pat Rhea
That's a funny!