Holy Spirit helps people live ‘Gospel joy’ amid life’s challenges, archbishop says

Archbishop Charles C. Thompson ritually breathes upon chrism oil on April 15 during the annual archdiocesan chrism Mass at SS. Peter and Paul Cathedral. Seminarian Khaing Thu, right, assists at the Mass. (Photo by Sean Gallagher)

By Sean Gallagher

In his homily during the archdiocesan chrism Mass on April 15 in SS. Peter and Paul Cathedral in Indianapolis, Archbishop Charles C. Thompson said Catholics in central and southern Indiana, empowered by the Holy Spirit, can show forth “a sense of Gospel joy” in the way they live their faith even when they face “challenges, hardships, pain and suffering” in daily life.

“Despite what may weigh upon our hearts or our shoulders, the Holy Spirit is able to lift us up,” Archbishop Thompson said. “So, we gather amid all the challenges of life and ministry to be lifted up by the sacramental grace made available to us through the blessing of holy oils and this sacred liturgy.”

In the chrism Mass celebrated annually during Holy Week, the archbishop blesses oils used in the sacraments of baptism, confirmation, holy orders and the anointing of the sick, as well as in the dedication of churches and altars. (Related: See a photo gallery from the Mass)

During his homily, Archbishop Thompson recalled the preaching of Filipino Cardinal Antonio Tagle during the closing Mass of the National Eucharistic Congress celebrated last year on July 21 at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.

“He exhorted us to be blessings rather than burdens—husbands and wives, parents and children, bishops and clergy—to one another,” Archbishop Thompson recalled. “We are blessed to be here in our respective roles as priests, deacons, religious and laity, all rooted in our common baptismal call to holiness and mission.”

The sacraments celebrated with the oils blessed at the chrism Mass, Archbishop Thompson explained, help Catholics of all walks of life “go forth as people of God, pilgrims of hope and missionary disciples of Jesus Christ so as to accompany those in need and relieve the burden of those feeling crushed by the various forms of injustice, fear, guilt, shame and despair weighing them down.”

In carrying out this mission, Archbishop Thompson reminded his listeners that none of them do it alone.

“As brothers and sisters, members of the same body of Christ, especially those of us who share in the fraternity of a presbyterate, we are bound to one another—bound to one another—as a community of believers, the body of Christ,” he said. “In the spirit of synodality, we are co-responsible to one another and the mission of Jesus Christ. The Spirit that rests upon us distributes various gifts and charisms, not so much for the individual or part as for the sake of whole, the Church.”

The archbishop also reminded the congregation that the oils blessed at the Mass are a reminder that the Church’s mission is only fulfilled through the power of God, “divine grace at work within and among us” which “brings about healing, reconciliation, renewal of faith, restoration of hope, salvation and redemption.”

Closing his homily, Archbishop Thompson, citing verses from the Gospel reading proclaimed at the chrism Mass, offered words of encouragement to the 900 Catholics from across central and southern Indiana taking part in the liturgy.

“There is, indeed, much to weigh us down,” he said. “If the Spirit of the Lord is upon us, however, nothing can keep us down. Thus, we are anointed and sent forth as blessings to the world so as to bring glad tidings, heal, proclaim liberty, announce a year of favor and comfort all who mourn.

“Once again, we embrace the assurance of our great high priest and Savior, Jesus Christ: ‘Today this Scripture passage is fulfilled in your hearing’ ” (Lk 4:21). †
 

Related story: Catholic laity, priests, deacons and religious gather at chrism Mass