Hildegard of Bingen described the incarnation as divinity aimed at humanity. More than a doctrine, it defines the intent and trajectory of God’s heart. It signals the deepest dream of God: to connect, touch, become one with humankind and all creation. The incarnation, the embodiment of God’s giving, is the core truth of Christian life and belief. Without it, the paschal mystery is merely mysterious, reduced to abstraction. With it, mystery becomes the secret and hidden wisdom made accessible to us in Jesus. Through the use of such identifiable realities as silence, song, touch, movement, bread, wine, light, darkness, incense, oil, and water, the mystery becomes present and real without ceasing to be ineffable. Through them the language of God’s giving speaks louder than words and evokes from us a response that is more than verbal.

Ritual action that is rooted in a sacramental vision and consciousness calls for the tactile in order to communicate the awesome mystery of the holy God drawing near, dwelling among us, desiring relationship. One of the most powerful moments in the spiritual formation process of potential new members of the Christian community occurs during the signing of the catechumens at the Rite of Acceptance and Welcome. After responding to the call to receive the sign of their “new way of life” and their “life in Christ” respectively, their bodies – forehead, eyes, ears, lips, shoulders, heart, hands, and feet — are then marked with the sign of the cross. No matter how many times I witness this ritual, it still surprises me how this simple gesture has the power to move people whether they are catechumens, sponsors, or assembly. It is a holy moment. It is made so through the power of touch, word and gesture. It is worth noting here that touch is meant to be an integral part of the celebration of the sacraments as well.

Some years ago, I worked in a home for abused children. In one of the cottages a grandfatherly houseparent named Mr. Wilson, was the overnight staff person. Each evening before bed, Mr. Wilson convened the ragamuffins in his charge and performed a simple but sacred ceremony. It was remarkable how the children, normally rambunctious and unruly, quickly settled down, anxious and ready to receive the nightly unction they had been deprived of thus far in their lives. One by one, Mr. Wilson called the children forward by name. Sitting in a straight back chair and with the child standing close and face to face with him, Mr. Wilson poured Johnson & Johnson Baby Oil into his hand. Then he tenderly, amply, lovingly rubbed it into each child’s head of hair, smearing the leftover oil affectionately on the child’s forehead and face. Oh, how even the angriest, bitter, foul-mouthed, damaged waif did glisten and shine.

This modest ritual said more and taught more about the sacraments, about who God is, about who those children really were, and what they really needed than any religious education class, catechism, or homily ever could. It said something to those bruised and broken children about the nature of God’s love: that it is generous beyond measure, prodigal, personal, unearned, pure gift. It said something to each child regardless of race, creed, or color, despite the day’s misdemeanors and demerits, about their own dignity and sacred worth. And wherever they might be today, whether in heaven or on earth, if anything saved those children, salvaged their fragile lives, it was not the daily dose of meds, counseling sessions, art therapy, or group activities. It was the intimate elegance and indulgent superfluousness of this nightly anointing with Johnson & Johnson Baby Oil.

PRACTICE:

If you have a child or children or grandchildren or a partner, consider a simple ritual with the oil of gladness as a way to bless your loved one(s) by rubbing oil on their feet or hands or back or head or face. As you do so you might want to use a simple spoken blessing like this one or words to this effect:

♦ “You are the beloved of God, on whom God’s favor rests. I love you.” OR
♦ “This oil of gladness is a reminder that you gladden my  heart and the heart of God.”