Anointed Ones

A Reflection on the First Reading for Sunday, November 20th, 2022:
The Solemnity of Christ the King

---

​2 Samuel
5.1-3

All the tribes of Israel came to David at Hebron, and said, “Look, we are your bone and flesh. For some time, while Saul was king over us, it was you who led out Israel and brought it in. The Lord said to you: ‘It is you who shall be shepherd of my people Israel, you who shall be ruler over Israel.’”

So all the elders of Israel came to the king at Hebron; and King David made a covenant with them at Hebron before the Lord, and they anointed David king over Israel.

“Anointing” refers to the act of pouring oil onto something, or someone, to make it sacred. It marks the subject, or object, as holy — as “set apart” for God. The symbolism and tradition is still relevant today, even in relation to kingship. For instance, this coming May the Archbishop of Canterbury will anoint King Charles III as the new monarch of England, with oils of roses, cinnamon, orange, musk and ambergris, during his coronation. In the Catholic tradition, we use oils as part of the “outward and visible signs” to reveal “inward and spiritual graces” for various sacraments (Saint Augustine); we also use them at baptism, confirmation, the anointing of the sick, and holy orders. In the First Reading from 2 Samuel, we hear of David being anointed as king over Israel; this particular action is a sign that points towards the coming of Jesus Christ — the King of Kings. 

On the Feast of Christ the King, which we will celebrate this Sunday, the Church invites us to contemplate Jesus’ messianic kingship. The title “Christ” means “Anointed One,” but to comprehend more fully how Jesus being anointed as King is unique, we must understand the deeper symbolism and significance of anointing with oil. This practice denotes, and is even synonymous with, the Holy Spirit (CCC 695). Throughout Christ’s earthly life, we see the Holy Spirit living and active at the Immaculate Conception and at His Baptism, flowing and working through His acts of healing and salvation, and raising Him from death to new life in the Resurrection. Jesus is one with the Holy Spirit, and one with the Father, and the Oneness of God in the Holy Trinity is what makes Christ’s Kingship so awesome. Jesus is not a king who wields authority and power with self-interest or from a place of fear, intimidation, or greed. Instead, He is perfect love. Every action of His is full of mercy and justice, and the breath of God, the Holy Spirit, inspires His will and bears fruit. Only in His Kingdom can we find true peace. Only under His rule can we find freedom. Only with His blessing can we become fully alive. 

To be a “Christ-ian” means to belong to the Anointed One. Our identity is entirely wrapped up in who Jesus is and how He is united to His Father by the love of the Holy Spirit. We, too, are called to be anointed ones — vessels filled to overflowing with the Spirit of God who pour out His love into the world. As we approach the end of this liturgical year and prepare to begin another, let us ask the Spirit to pour into our hearts in a fresh, new way. 

Pour fresh oil over us, set us apart for your purposes, and unite our hearts to yours, Spirit of God. We belong to you — help us belong to you more. Amen.



Kendra L.

---