BALSAMO

BALSAM. - An unguent much used by pagans and therefore disapproved by Christians. Nevertheless, from the fourth century onward there is evidence of the practice of mixing b. with chrism during its consecration on Holy Thursday, a rite formerly performed, as it still is in Milan, before Mass. Today, in the Roman rite, it is performed during the Holy Sacrifice. Although from the outset the mixing of b. with oil seems to have been imposed under a grave precept and considered necessary for chrism, it is difficult to specify the reason, which may nevertheless be indicated by the relevant liturgical prayers. The b. is first blessed; then the bishop accompanies the mixing with this invitation: “Let us pray to God that He may bless and, by blessing, sanctify in the power of the Holy Trinity these juices derived from different kinds of creatures, and grant us that, when mixed together, they may become one thing, and that whoever is outwardly anointed with them by us may also receive them inwardly...”. This calls to mind the words of St. Paul: “We are the good odour of Christ” (Eph. 5, 2). Medieval liturgists discerned other equivalent meanings. Durando commented: “To the oil that shines b. is added, because we must shine through active faith and give forth fragrance for the honour of God and the benefit of our neighbour” (Rationale divinorum officiorum, LXXIV, 10). V. CRISMA.