What is the sacramental sign of chrism mean?

Answer 1

The chrism symbolizes the anointing by the Holy Spirit. In the Old Testament, when someone was anointed to become a priest or a king, etc, they had oil poured on their head "and the Spirit of the LORD came mightily upon [them] from that day forward" (1 Samuel 16:13). In Confirmation, the chrism does much the same. "1289 Very early, the better to signify the gift of the Holy Spirit, an anointing with perfumed oil (chrism) was added to the laying on of hands. This anointing highlights the name "Christian," which means "anointed" and derives from that of Christ himself whom God "anointed with the Holy Spirit."100 This rite of anointing has continued ever since, in both East and West. For this reason the Eastern Churches call this sacrament Chrismation, anointing with chrism, or myron which means "chrism." In the West, the term Confirmation suggests that this sacrament both confirms and strengthens baptismal grace. " ~Catechism of the Catholic Church

Answer 2

Chrism symbolizes the oil being used to make the sign of the cross on the person's forehead during baptism it is washing away our sins.

Chrism is sacred oil, made form olive oil and scented with species, used for anointing in the Sacraments of Initiation. In Eastern Rite Churches Confirmation takes its name from the word and is known as Chrismation.

Answer 3

Great question.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church nicely summarizes the answer:

Anointing, in Biblical and other ancient symbolism, is rich in meaning: oil is a sign of abundance and joy; it cleanses (anointing before and after a bath) and limbers (the anointing of athletes and wrestlers); oil is a sign of healing, since it is soothing to bruises and wounds; and it makes radiant with beauty, health, and strength. (CCC no. 1293)

The oil (chrism) also marks us as soldiers of Christ (cf. Ephesians 6). As spiritual soldiers, we need to be spiritually limber for spiritual combat, much like athletes and wrestlers are physically limber to gain victory over their physical opponents.

Anointing with oil has all these meanings in the sacramental life. The pre-baptismal anointing with the oil of catechumens signifies cleansing and strengthening; the anointing of the sick expresses healing and comfort. the post-baptismal anointing with sacred chrism in Confirmation and ordination is the sign of consecration. By Confirmation Christians, that is, those who are anointed, share more completely in the mission of Jesus Christ and the fullness of the Holy Spirit with which he is filled, so that their lives may give off "the aroma of Christ." [2 Cor 2:15] (CCC, no. 1294)

By this anointing the confirmand receives the "mark," the seal of the Holy Spirit. A seal is a symbol of a person, a sign of personal authority, or ownership of an object. Hence soldiers were marked with their leader's seal and slaves with their master's. A seal authenticates a juridical act or document and occasionally makes it secret. (CCC no. 1295)

In a similar sense, the Holy Spirit has an authentic claim over us. The anointing with oil marks us as belonging to Him; i.e. "Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit...that you were purchased at a price?" (1 Cor 6:19-20)

Christ himself declared that he was marked with his Father's seal. Christians are also marked with a seal: "It is God who establishes us with you in Christ and has commissioned us; he has put his seal on us and given us his Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee." This seal of the Holy Spirit marks our total belonging to Christ, our enrollment in his service for ever, as well as the promise of divine protection in the great eschatological trial. (CCC no. 1296)

REFERENCES

Libreria Editrice Vaticana. Catechism of the Catholic Church. (Paulist Press: Mahwah, NJ, 1994).

Answer 4

The anointing of the Holy Spirit.