we are “anointians”
“The Lord forbid that I should do such a thing to my master, the Lord’s anointed.” —1 Samuel 24:7
The murderous David did not kill his arch-enemy, King Saul, because he recognized Saul as the Lord’s anointed (1 Sm 24:7, 11). David appreciated being anointed, for he also had been anointed as king by Samuel (1 Sm 16:13; Ps 89:21). Being the Lord’s anointed held extreme significance (see Ps 133:2).
The Messiah is called in Greek “Christos,” which means “the Anointed One.” Jesus began His public ministry by quoting Isaiah 61:1: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me; therefore He has anointed Me” (Lk 4:18). St. Peter described Jesus’ ministry with these words: “God anointed Him with the Holy Spirit and power” (Acts 10:38). Jesus’ title was “Christ,” that is, “the Anointed One.” Jesus’ followers are called “Christians,” that is, “the anointed ones.”
We Christians have been anointed in Baptism and Confirmation. These anointings are even more important than the anointings given to Saul and David. We have been anointed as priests, prophets, and kings (see Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1546). Like Jesus, we have been anointed “with the Holy Spirit and power” (Acts 10:38). In Jesus, we can do even greater works than He did (Jn 14:12). Christians, “remain in Him as that anointing taught you” (1 Jn 2:27).
Prayer: Father, make me so like Christ and so deep in His Word that I can rightly be called “Christian” (Acts 11:26).
Promise: “They were likewise to have authority to expel demons.” —Mk 3:15
Praise: Before reading the Bible, Pedro asks the Holy Spirit to open his ears to the voice of God speaking through His Word.
Reference: (Discipleship Retreats are one of the main ministries of Presentation Ministries. You will grow in your faith and be equipped to evangelize by attending the series of forty days of retreats. See our website www.presentationministries.com for all upcoming retreats and plan to begin the process.)
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