View from the Pews, Lila Wilson, February 19, 2022. Lent 2 – “Oils of Life.” The use of oils in biblical times is recorded throughout the bible. Genesis records precious oils – those mixed with special perfumes and spices – being used for healing and for anointing Holy Places, Priests and Kings. This anointing symbolized consecration – representing the power and presence of the Spirit of God. Olive oil was used as a food and burned in lamps. The Good Samaritan bandaged the wounds of the suffering traveler with oils. Shepherds treated the wounds on their sheep with oils as well as coating the sheep noses with oils to keep flies away that could kill them. John tells us how Jesus’ feet were anointed with oil. Oils wrapped around the lives of those early people. It gave them sustenance, meaning, purpose. Fast forward to today… a walk down the aisle of any grocery or drug store and you can find a product for everything we need. But what would have the significance – the meaning – in our lives that could have the same impact of the oils of biblical times. Thinking about anointing oils…what do we consider worthy of special time. To whom do we give praise, time, honor, and how do we made these decisions. Would healing oils represent our compassion – caring and doing for others in need physically and spiritually? Consecrating oils are still used in blessing for sacred use…a person, place, items – set apart for sacred service. In our everyday lives there are many who are called to serve who have not been touched by special oils or recognition. Yet they serve. They/we are required to be used and to be useful, like the oils, for the sake of God’s good plan for the world. What are the “oils” that give your life significance and meaning…