ACC ~ John 8 v1

MOUNT OF OLIVES, OIL, ANOINTING AND CHRIST

AUGUSTINE: And where ought Christ to teach, except on the Mount of Olives; on the mount of ointment, on the mount of chrism. For the name Christ is from chrism, chrism being the Greek word for unction. [1] He has anointed us for our fight with the devil. TRACTATES ON THE GOSPEL OF JOHN 33.3. [2]

[1] Lat unctio.

[2] NPNF 1 7:197*.

THE HEIGHT OF THE LORD’S MERCY

BEDE: The Mount of Olives designates the height of the Lord’s benevolence and mercy, for in Greek “mercy” is called oleos, and an olive plantation is called oleon, [1] and also because anointing with oil usually soothes weary and aching limbs. But oil is preeminent in power and purity too, and it tends to make its way up and float on the top of any liquid that you choose to pour into it. This fact not inappropriately suggests the grace of heavenly mercy….

Let us come then with all our concentration of mind to him who has his place on the invisible Mount of Olives. God, his God, has anointed him with the oil of gladness above his companions [2] in order that he may deign to make us also companions of that anointing of his, that is, sharers of spiritual grace. HOMILIES ON THE GOSPELS 1.25. [3]

[1] Some manuscripts spell eleos and eleon.

[2] Ps 45:7 (44:8 LXX).

[3] CS 110:245-46, 251-52.