Three very important things happened in our Cathedral this morning.
One of them was the renewal of commitment to Christian ministry, articulated by lay people, deacons, priests, and bishops. Ministry is the calling of the whole Church, of course - every baptised person is called to contribute their gifts for the common good. But whoever we are, whatever we do, we're reminded that it's 'by the help of God.'
Secondly, the ancient ceremony of the Blessing of the Oils took place. Oil for the sick (and dying) is a sign and a means of the power of God to heal and save. Oil of catechumens (those preparing for baptism) is used for the signing of the cross before baptism. Oil of Chrism is used for those who have been baptised, those who are to be confirmed, ordained or consecrated, and for the dedication of altars and church buildings. At Coventry, the oil of the sick is brought 'from a place of brokenness' - the ruins of the old Cathedral. Oil of catechumens is brought from the Font. Oil of Chrism is brought from the Chapel of Unity, a place of unity and reconciliation.
Thirdly, the Eucharist was celebrated, in consciousness that tonight is the night when we celebrate its inauguration. Bread and wine were taken, blessed, broken, shared, as a commemoration of the Last Supper, a sharing in the life of Christ, a proclamation of his death until he comes. The wall tablet above is a reminder of the vocation to love given to us by Jesus on this night: a vocation to continue and extend his work, expressed by but not limited to those present who are authorised for various forms of ministry, and the oils used in the service of the Church.
Then take the towel, and break the bread,
And humble us, and call us friends.
Suffer and serve 'til all are fed,
And show how grandly love intends
To work 'til all creation sings,
To fill all worlds, to crown all things.
(Brian Wren)
One of them was the renewal of commitment to Christian ministry, articulated by lay people, deacons, priests, and bishops. Ministry is the calling of the whole Church, of course - every baptised person is called to contribute their gifts for the common good. But whoever we are, whatever we do, we're reminded that it's 'by the help of God.'
Secondly, the ancient ceremony of the Blessing of the Oils took place. Oil for the sick (and dying) is a sign and a means of the power of God to heal and save. Oil of catechumens (those preparing for baptism) is used for the signing of the cross before baptism. Oil of Chrism is used for those who have been baptised, those who are to be confirmed, ordained or consecrated, and for the dedication of altars and church buildings. At Coventry, the oil of the sick is brought 'from a place of brokenness' - the ruins of the old Cathedral. Oil of catechumens is brought from the Font. Oil of Chrism is brought from the Chapel of Unity, a place of unity and reconciliation.
Thirdly, the Eucharist was celebrated, in consciousness that tonight is the night when we celebrate its inauguration. Bread and wine were taken, blessed, broken, shared, as a commemoration of the Last Supper, a sharing in the life of Christ, a proclamation of his death until he comes. The wall tablet above is a reminder of the vocation to love given to us by Jesus on this night: a vocation to continue and extend his work, expressed by but not limited to those present who are authorised for various forms of ministry, and the oils used in the service of the Church.
Then take the towel, and break the bread,
And humble us, and call us friends.
Suffer and serve 'til all are fed,
And show how grandly love intends
To work 'til all creation sings,
To fill all worlds, to crown all things.
(Brian Wren)
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