On Unction with Chrism

307. What is Unction with Chrism ? Unction with Chrism is a Sacrament, in which the baptized believer, being anointed with holy chrism on certain parts of the body in the name of the Holy Ghost, receives the gifts of the Holy Ghost for growth and strength in spiritual life. 308. Is this Sacrament mentioned in holy Scripture? The inward grace of this Sacrament is spoken of by the Apostle John, as follows: But ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things. And the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you; but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie; and even as it hath taught you, abide therein. 1 John ii. 20, 27. In like manner the Apostle Paul also says: Now he which stablisheth us with you in Christ, and hath anointed us, is God; who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts. 2 Cor. i. 21, 22. Hence are taken the words pronounced at the Unction: The seal of the gift of the Holy Ghost. 309. Is the outward form of Unction with Chrism mentioned in holy Scripture? It may well be supposed that the words of St. John refer to a visible as well as to an inward unction; but it is more certain that the Apostles, for imparting to the baptized the gifts of the Holy Ghost, used imposition of hands. Acts viii. 14, 16. The successors of the Apostles, however, in place of this, introduced unction with chrism, drawing, it may be, their precedent from the unction used in the Old Testament. Exod. xxx. 25; 1 (3 in the Greek) Kings i. 39. (Dion. Areop. de Eccl. Hier. cap. iv.) 310. What is to be remarked of the holy Chrism? This: that its consecration is reserved to the heads of the Hierarchy, as successors of the Apostles, who used the laying on of their own hands to communicate the gifts of the Holy Ghost. 311. What is specially signified by anointing the forehead? The sanctification of the mind, or thoughts. 312. What by anointing the chest? The sanctification of the heart, or desires. 313. What by anointing the eyes, ears, and lips? The sanctification of the senses. 314. What by anointing the hands and feet? The sanctification of the works and whole walk of the Christian.