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Below is the full text from Brooklyn Bishop Robert Brennan’s homily during the 2025 Chrism Mass at the Co-Cathedral of St. Joseph in Prospect Heights. 

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2025 April 15 Chrism Mass

In early January a delegation from the diocese participated in the SEEK ’25 conference hosted by the Fellowship of Catholic University Students (FOCUS).  In a presentation on “the Wages of Sin”, Heather Khym, who works with Ascension Press spoke about a moment of desperation and powerlessness she experienced at a sudden medical emergency involving her young son.  She spoke about how after she tried unsuccessfully to address the situation herself, the medics arrived with the remedy.  Of course, when it comes to the human condition and the ‘wages of sin’, God has come with the remedy, the gift of himself.  The refrain throughout her talk was, “where we go in our desperation matters”.

Her talk was, in itself, amazing.  But, I do have to admit, my mind wondered a bit and I found myself thinking about the passages we just heard this evening.   

“The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me.  

He has sent me to bring glad tidings to the lowly, to heal the broken hearted.

To proclaim liberty to the captives and release to prisoners.

To announce a year of favor from the Lord and a day of vindication by our God, to comfort those who morn: to place on those who mourn in Zion a diadem instead of ashes. 

To give them oil of gladness in place of mourning, a glorious mantle instead of a listless spirit.”  (Isaiah 57)

Now, I can only speak for myself, but whenever I hear this passage and the corresponding Gospel where Jesus reads the same, pointing to its fulfillment in Himself, I immediately think of myself as sharing in this ministry of Christ.  That is not incorrect.  Indeed, the context generally is a call, an invitation, a challenge, to go forth.  We are indeed anointed, all of us through Baptism and Confirmation, and sent forth to bring glad tidings. Moreover in a few moments, we priests will renew our priestly promises, being “resolved to be faithful stewards of the mysteries of God in the Holy Eucharist and the other liturgical rites and to discharge faithfully the sacred office of teaching, following Christ the Head and the Shepherd, not seeking any gain but moved only by zeal for souls.”  

This is no small thing.  I thank God every day for the opportunity to serve as a priest and bishop.  

Yet, before all else, Jesus addressed this passage to the lowly, the imprisoned, those with heavy burdens and listless spirits.  He is speaking to us.  He speaks good news. 

I am the lowly one in need of good news.  I am imprisoned by my own limits and sin.  It is I who bear a listless spirit.  We all mourn, and we have experienced broken hearts.  

I need a savior.  Contrary to popular belief, I cannot save myself.  

We all know of people who have walked down disastrous paths, seeking relief, escape or the illusion of freedom or control.  We’ve seen the wreckage and havoc on so many individuals and families.  You as parish priests often helped pick up the pieces.

More likely for many of us, we can be tempted to seek meaning in our work or projects or on the contrary, to withdraw to our rooms doing the minimum and getting by.  The modern good is to say, “I can manage this on my own, I can take care of this.”  Truth is, we need the savior – and that we know him personally. 

I think of the late Cardinal Van Thuan.  As he was taken away on a prison ship from all that he loved, all that had meaning for him, he asked himself, “Do I love God, or do I love the things of God?”  

Brother priests, friends all, today, before all else we give ourselves over to Jesus Christ who brings glad tidings, liberty and a glorious mantle in place of a listless spirit.  We recognize OUR NEED and GOD’S GIFT.  We need a savior, and he has come extending the hand of friendship. 

As we ask the Lord’s blessings on these oils, we will pray that “we who are outwardly anointed may be inwardly transformed and come to share eternal salvation.” (From the Blessing of the Sacred Chrism.)  

I am always overwhelmed by the enthusiastic presence of so many at this mass.  This evening is no exception 

Thank you to all of you who are here and all who join by way of NET TV for your love and prayers for your priests and for sharing by this love the joy of the Gospel.  

Thanks to all who serve in so many capacities in our parishes and movements, in diocesan and related ministries as well as to all those who support those works.  May I take this opportunity to thank all those who took part in the varied celebrations of Eucharistic Revival last year and those who just walked any part of the Lenten Pilgrimage and the Station Churches that hosted us this year?  

Thanks to the religious sisters and brothers.  The legacy that we have inherited from the Religious Congregations and the depths of contemplation and apostolic service provided by our religious today never escapes me.  We are blessed by you Sisters and Brothers.  

I thank our deacons, ordained for service, for the generous gifts of yourselves – and I thank your families as well for the sacrifices they make for you to offer this service.  Two of the deacons for this Mass have given particular assistance to me and to the bishops and priests of the Diocese of Brooklyn and will be retiring from full time employment.  Deacon Jaime and Deacon Julio, we thank you very much.  

To our priests and bishops, thank you so very much.  The generous resolution you made at ordination and renewed today: to be united with the Lord Jesus and more closely conformed to Him, inspires me every day and brings hope to God’s people.   I can never thank you enough. 

Let’s pray for those who are ill and suffering.  Let’s give thanks for those who have gone home to the Lord after dedicating faithful service to him.  

Congratulations to all who celebrate jubilee anniversaries this year.  The worship aid lists those anniversaries.  We do have a rare privilege as we congratulate Father Dominic Cutrone on his seventy years of service as a priest.  Congratulations and thank you Father Cutrone.  

Welcome to all who incardinated in the last year. And to the Ordination Class from last year.  I will use the Chrism blessed today to ordain 7 men in June.  Thanks to all those involved in the work of vocations, the formation of seminarians, and the various ministries of service to our priest.  

God Bless you one and all this evening and as we stand at the threshold to the Sacred Triduum. 

 

We should glory in the Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, in whom is our salvation, life and resurrection, through whom we are saved and delivered.        (Entrance Antiphon Holy Thursday Mass of the Lord’s Supper.)