Olive Oil.....really?

A quick theological word concerning one of God's greatest culinary and sacramental gifts - huile d' olive (olive oil).

Good theology and olive oil are wed quite often, especially in the sacraments of holy Baptism, Confirmation, Unction (anointing the sick), and Holy Orders.

Remember your Confirmation friends? Well, chances are the bishop used olive oil perfumed with a touch of balasam, a balm that's literally from Gilead. If you were baptized as an adult, then you'll recall Chrismation with oil blessed by the bishop. Yep, olive oil again! And if you've ever seen someone ordained or witnessed a liturgy of healing, you've seen good ole olive oil in action once again.

And let's not ever forget the Mount of Olives, where our Lord Jesus Christ ascended into heaven, returning to His eternal throne amidst the cherubim, seraphim, and all the ranks of angels to prepare a place for you and me, his beloved sons and daughters (Acts 1:12).

Thanks be to God for olive oil!