Holy Thursday

From Father Augustine - Chrism Mass Homily and the beautiful passage he refers to:

Preface of Priesthood (Chrism Mass): [The priesthood of Christ and the ministry of priests]

Father, all-powerful and ever-living God,
we do well always and everywhere to give you thanks.
By your Holy Spirit
you anoint your only Son
High Priest of the new and eternal covenant.
With wisdom and love you have planned
that this one priesthood should continue in the Church.

CHRIST GIVES THE DIGNITY OF A ROYAL PRIESTHOOD
TO THE PEOPLE HE HAS MADE HIS OWN.
From these, with a brother's love,
he chooses men to share his sacred ministry
by the laying on of hands.

He appoints them to renew in his name
the sacrifice of our redemption
as they set before your family his paschal meal.
He calls them to lead your people in love,
nourish them by your word,
and strengthen them through the sacraments.

Father, they are to give their lives in your service
and for the salvation of your people
as they strive to grow in the likeness of Christ
and honor you by their courageous witness of faith and love.

We praise you, Lord, with all the angels and saints
in their song of joy.
Holy, holy, holy Lord...
Rite of Blessing of the Oil of the Sick:
God of all consolation
you chose and sent your Son to heal the world.
Graciously listen to our prayer of faith:
send the power of your Holy Spirit, the Consoler,
into this precious oil, this soothing ointment,
this rich gift, this fruit of the earth.

Bless this oil + and sanctify it for our use.

Make this oil a remedy for all who are anointed with it;
heal them in body, in soul, and in spirit,
and deliver them from every affliction.

[We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. Amen.]