The blessing of olive oil for anointing, as part of the ministry of the Church, is a core element of the Chrism Services which form part of both Anglican and Catholic traditions in Holy Week.  At the Anglican Chrism Mass here in Rome on Tuesday Bishop Michael Langrish reflected that whilst olive trees only produce fruit in particular climates, the fruit of Christian service and witness should be evident everywhere and be shown in sharing the grace we have received from Our Lord and Saviour.

This Holy Week we have been only too conscious that many people around our world, including neighbours on the shores of the Mediterranean, are suffering war, fear, pain and destruction.  In these dark places, simple acts of love and kindness in Jesus' bring the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 6.22-24) to people in the greatest need and serve as reminders of the hope we have in Christ.  May we all be led and inspired by the Holy Spirit to live hopeful lives by carrying out the good works he has prepared for each of us as we receive anew the hope of the Resurrection, ever mindful that amongst the first words of the resurrected Christ are "Peace be with you". 

As the Archbishop of Canterbury writes in her ecumenical Easter letter to heads of Christian churches and ecumenical partners, “Christ has conquered death, and through him, new life has begun.” The Resurrection of Jesus, Archbishop Sarah adds, is “not only an event remembered; it is a living reality that shapes our hope, our witness, and our shared calling as Christians. It gives us confidence – deep, unshakeable confidence – in the Gospel of Jesus Christ.”

We can hold steadfastly to these truths, which cast Easter light into even the darkest places and times.  May you, and all whom you love and for whom you care, know the hope and joy of Easter.

He is risen, indeed.  Alleluia!

+Anthony Ball

Director of The Anglican Centre in Rome &
The Archbishop of Canterbury's Representative to the Holy See

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