Well I was on journey there, there being St Mary’s Cathedral, Edinburgh for the Chrism Mass. Our dioceses’ Chrism Mass was down in Gretna yesterday and news that there was a change from the usual of in the Cathedral on a Maundy Thursday didn’t get to me before I already had a fully diary for yesterday while a big empty slot today preserved for the Chrism Mass, so I decided to head east. The Chrism Mass is an important day for me, as it is for all clergy, at it we re-new our ordination vows before we then lead our congregations in renewing their baptismal vows at Easter. I always think of those who were also deaconed and priested when I was, usually there is at least one of them in sight, this time there were none.
It is always interesting seeing how different other people do things which are familiar to you. All the priests in that diocese wear matching white chasubles for the occasion, although it wasn’t a concelebration, and a fine symbol of unity it makes. Some of the chasubles were made for the ordination of women with more being added at a later date, all but two of the 60+ of them being made by the same person. In the east they only have two Oils, Chrism and Healing, which were both consecrated. I am more used to seeing three oils, the Oil of the Catechumens being the third, and only the Chrism Oil consecrated while the other two are blessed, when I have some time I will have to ponder the difference. Over here the Bishop addresses first the deacons, then the priests in asking them to renew their vows, then the Bishop is asked by a member of laity the questions about his own ordination and consecration, finally the congregation present are asked to reaffirm their commitment to support the clergy. While in the east the bishop first asks the everyone present to commit themselves to Christian life and service, then all clergy together to renew their vows, before proclaiming his own affirmation. The differences grew on me as I travelled back; it would seem that there is a different theology being displayed in each, more to ponder once Easter is past.
It was different but no less uplifting and encouraging, an oasis of peace – St Mary’s Edinburgh is a glorious building - and a time to recharge in a busy week of services, the Revd Dr Jolyon Mitchell preached a thought provoking sermon and there was some good singing to be had, however I share Mother Ruth’s views on the final hymn. Singing ‘Easter’s victory now proclaim’ and ‘Go in Pentecostal spirit’ when there is still tonight’s Eucharist, foot washing, stripping of the altar and vigil to go, the stations of the cross tomorrow, the service for Holy Saturday, never mind the whole of the Easter season before we reach Pentecost. I know we shouldn’t get tardy, but I really do think we could have waited a while longer and fully observed the season we are currently in, or should I be re-doing Sunday’s pewsheet with Advent Carols?