Day 45 Holy Wednesday

Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into His hands, and that He had come from God and was going to God, rose from supper, laid aside His garments, and girded Himself with a towel. Then He poured water into a basin, and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel with which He was girded. He came to Simon Peter; and Peter said to him, “Lord, do you wash my feet?” Jesus answered him, “What I am doing you do not know now, but afterward you will understand.” Peter said to him, “You shall never wash my feet.” Jesus answered him, “If I do not wash you, you have no part in Me.” John 13:3-8 (From the Gospel of the Vesperal Liturgy on Holy Thursday Morning)

Fr. Stavros’ reflection for today, Holy Wednesday, focuses on the Sacrament of Holy Unction. The service you will see tonight is indeed a Sacrament of the Church, like Holy Confession, the Eucharist or Marriage. We understand the Sacraments of the Church to be special experiences in our corporate life as Orthodox Christians when the perception of God's presence and actions is heightened and celebrated.

God discloses Himself in the prayers and the actions of the Sacrament. In addition, a portion of the created world is used as part of the Sacrament. For Holy Unction, it is oil. This reminds us that matter (things of this world) is good and become the medium of the Holy Spirit. This reaffirms the Truth that God became flesh and dwelt among us.

Having said all of this, we are in the unique situation of not being able to be together for this Sacrament. You will not be able to be anointed at this time. But as Fr. Stavros points out, it is not just the oil that has healing power. The prayers that are prayed over the oil, to sanctify it, is what gives the oil sacramental power. And it is these prayers that you must pay particular attention to this evening.

The prayers speak of healing, remission of sins, eternal life, cleansing, deliverance and the knowledge that we are God’s creation and He desires us to attain salvation and be with Him in Paradise for all eternity. As you watch the service tonight, follow along with the prayers over the oil. Be sure to download the text of the service so that you can read the prayers along with me.

Be assured that these prayers are offering up a healing during this difficult time, a healing that is desperately needed. These prayers will also remind us that GOD IS WITH US! One of the most basic beliefs of the Orthodox Church teaches us that “God is present in all places and fills all things.” As you pray the service of Holy Unction tonight, God will be present. His healing power will come upon you. He will be in your “little church”. As you will hear in the final prayer of tonight’s service:

Receive now, also according to Your love for mankind, these Your servants who are repenting from their sins, regarding not at all their transgressions, For You are our God Who has commanded that those who fall into sin be forgiven, even seven times seventy times, For as is Your majesty, so also is Your mercy, and to You are due all glory, honor and adoration, to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and forever.

In Christ

Fr. David