The Sacrament of Anointing the Sick

We humans have always had to deal with illness, suffering, old age, and death. These can lead us closer to God. Human suffering and death are perhaps among life’s greatest mysteries Illness can lead us to despair Or it can lead to greater maturity – helping us to sort out what is most important and even provoking a search for God And deeper desire to love others and be near them.

The church has a long tradition of anointing people who are sick. When we speak of healing for the sick, we do not necessarily mean recover from illness. Grace is God’s self communication to us, God giving us God’s own self in love. When we embrace grace and receive it openly, we find that it is all we need. So that even when we are powerless over some illness: Cancer, depression, alcoholism, disease, or emotional pain, We are strong.

Are any among you sick? They should call for the elders of the church and have them pray over them, anointing them with oil… This is the basis of our sacrament: we are in the business of helping one another heal. James 5:14

The essential act of this sacrament is the anointing with holy oils.

Over time, this anointing came to be used only at the point of death. “Extreme unction” – “final anointing” (Latin: “in extremis” meaning dying.) The Constitution on the Liturgy at Vatican II asked the church to revisit this sacrament and to rename it.

Anointing of the Sick is not meant only for those who are at death’s door. It is also meant for any who are sick in any way.

Noticeably weakened by age Undergoing serious surgery It’s for those who are: Sick in mind and body Noticeably weakened by age Undergoing serious surgery In 1972, Pope Paul VI published more guidelines for this sacrament and Canon Law says that one who is sick should be anointed with sacred oil on the forehead and hands. You can receive this sacrament more than once. Only bishops and priests can anoint.

This sacrament is liturgical and communal. “If one member suffers, all suffer together with it; if one member is honored, all rejoice together with it.” 1 Corinthians 12:26

It may take place in a family home, in an ambulance, by the side of the road, in a hospital or in a church It begins with a celebration of God’s word – a reading from Scripture The priest lays his hands on the “sick” person There are prayers on behalf of the church The “sick” person is anointed with sacred oil

When we are anointed, we gain strength, peace and courage. The sacrament gives us grace. This sacrament also joins us to the community. We are reminded that we live in God and God’s love never ceases, no matter how sick or old we are. In a sense, this sacrament joins us mysteriously to the dying and rising of Christ – the Paschal Mystery. Embracing our suffering without ever giving up our love, as Christ did on the cross. The sacrament also joins us to the community, to one another.

Viaticum – “food for the way”

Anointing of the Sick brings us peace and the knowledge that our true home is in Divine Love, which is to say “in God.”