“We Believe” Sacraments of Healing: Penance and Anointing Wednesday, May 7, 2008

So Far… What is a Sacrament? A sacrament is an effective sign of grace, instituted by Christ and entrusted to the Church, by which divine life is dispensed to us through the work of the Holy Spirit. (CCC #1131) – In Latin, “Sacramentum” = sacra (holy) mentum (thing) – In Greek, “Sacrament” is a  “musterion” (mystery)

So Far... What is sacramental (“sanctifying”) grace? Sacramental grace is the grace of justification which: – Enables one to believe in God, love God, and hope in God, – Gives one the ability to live and act by the promptings of the Holy Spirit through the gifts of the Holy Spirit, and – Allows one to grow goodness through the moral virtues. (CCC 1266)

So Far… Seven Sacraments: Baptism Confirmation Eucharist Penance Anointing of the Sick Matrimony Holy Orders

So Far… Sacrament of Baptism Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the Spirit, and the door which gives access to the other sacraments. we are freed from sin reborn as sons and daughters of God we become members of Christ we are incorporated into the Church made sharers of the Church’s mission (CCC 1213)

So Far… The Sacrament of Confirmation Confirmation is a sacrament which increases and deepens baptismal grace. Confirmation unites us more firmly to Christ Intensifies our adoption as children of God Increases the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit Makes our bond with the Church more perfect Increases in us the strength to spread and defend the faith

The Holy Eucharist “Completes” Christian Initiation – All other sacraments relate to this “source and summit” Bread and Wine become the Body and Blood of Christ – What has been handed on to me, I hand on to you: the night he was betrayed, he took bread, gave thanks, broke the bread and said, “This is my body; do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way after supper, he took the cup and said, “This cup is the New Covenant in my Blood. Do this, whenever you drink it, in memory of me. 1 Corinthians 11: “Liturgy” of God & “Liturgy” of the Church –  (leos) = people, public, (“laity”) –  (ergon) = work (“energy”, “synergy”, “ergo”-nomic)

VocationHealing Initiation Baptism Confirmation Eucharist Penance Anointing of the Sick Matrimony Holy Orders This Week:

Penance & Anointing of the Sick What do we make of suffering? – Would an all-good God allow the righteous and the innocent to suffer? – Do we suffer because we deserve it? (cause-effect) – Are we simply “broken” and unable/unworthy to receive God’s love? – Is it a sign of our damnation? – Is it demeaning or diminish human dignity?

On the Meaning of Human Suffering In the encyclical “Salvifici Delores” on salvific suffering (1984), Pope John Paul II writes: [Suffering] is above all a call. It is a vocation. Christ does not explain in abstract the reasons for suffering, but before all else he says, “Follow me!” Come! Take part through your suffering in the work of saving the world, a salvation achieved through my suffering! Through my cross. Gradually, as the individual takes up his cross, spiritually uniting himself to the cross of Chirst, the salvific meaning of suffering is revealed before him. He does not discover this meaning at his own human level, but at the level of the suffering of Christ. At the same time, however, from this level of Chirst, the salvific meaning of suffering descends to man’s level and becomes, in a sense, the individual’s personal reponse. It is then that man finds in hims suffering interior peace and even spiritual joy. (Salvifici Delores #25)

On the Meaning of Human Suffering Christ-like suffering is transformative. Christ-like suffering helps a person grow. Christ-like suffering is redemptive. Christ-like suffering opens a person to love. Christ-like suffering allows a person to enter into the mystery of the crucifixion.

On the Meaning of Human Suffering We suffer because of – Sin personal sin external sin fallen world – Sickness personal sickness sickness of family member or another person effects of illness: fear, isolation, pain, uncertainty

The Role of the Church The Church does not stand idly by. As members of the Body of Chirst… – When one suffers, we all suffer. – When one suffers, the suffering of Christ is present him him/her Christ has left two sacramental gifts to dispense grace and restore those who suffer from sin or sickness – Penance – to heal a person suffering from sin – Anointing of the Sick – to heal body, mind, soul

Role of the Church James 5: Is anyone among you suffering? He should pray. Is anyone in good spirits? He should sing praise. Is anyone among you sick? He should summon the presbyters of the church, and they should pray over him and anoint (him) with oil in the name of the Lord, and the prayer of faith will save the sick person, and the Lord will raise him up. If he has committed any sins, he will be forgiven. Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The fervent prayer of a righteous person is very powerful.

Anointing of the Sick What is the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick? unites the sick person to the sufferings of Christ, strengthens the sick person with courage and peace, forgives all sins for which the sick person has true sorrow, but was unable to confess, sometimes restores health, if it is appropriate for the salvation of the sick person prepares the sick person for eternal life.

Anointing of the Sick Who receives the anointing of the sick? in danger of death from sickness or old age those undergoing surgery those whose sickness (from above) worsens This may include physical or mental sickness, but should be serious illness… – err without scruple in favor of receiving the sacrament.

Anointing of the Sick Liturgical Celebration (outside of Mass) – Greeting, Penitential Rite – Readings, Homily – Intercessions – Laying on of Hands (invocation of the Holy Spirit) – Prayer of Thanksgiving for the Oil – Anointing – The Lord’s Prayer – Final Prayer, Blessing, Dismissal

Penance Several synonymous titles: – Penance – Reconciliation – Confession – Absolution

Penance restores the gift of God’s grace after it has been lost through sin. anticipates the Last Judgment strengthens and intensifies the life of God. helps us develop a sense of sin and helps us in the proper formation of conscience.

Penance What is sin? “A deliberate thought, word, or deed contrary to the eternal law of God.” “An offense against God, as well as a fault against reason, truth, and right conscience.” Mortal vs. Venial Sin

Penance Three Elements required for a sin to be mortal: The object of the sin must be a grave matter. The sin must be committed with full knowledge that the act is gravely wrong. The sin must be committed with full consent of the will. Without all three, there is not mortal sin… perhaps a venial sin worthy of confessing, but not a mortal sin.

Penance Elements of the Sacramental Celebration of Penance – Examination of Conscience (BEFORE) – Confession of Sin – Penance – Expression of Contrition – Absolution – Satisfaction/Thanksgiving (AFTER)

Penance There are often challenges which can make good confessions difficult. There is no sin too great to be forgiven, but one must ask for forgiveness. – To hold a sin, presuming on God’s mercy is presumption. – To hold a sin, convinced that one cannot be forgiven is despair. – To see sin there is no sin is scrupulosity. – To truly forget sins of one’s life is a grace. One can only confess those things which are remembered. If an old sin returns to one’s consciousness, it may be confessed at a future time.

Penance Some other things to be aware of: “Seal of the Sacrament” Anonymity Catholics are bound by precept to confess when there is any serious sin on their souls, and at least once a year (even priests!) Examination of Conscience & Consciousness Examen Remission of Venial Sins Indulgences Spiritual Direction

Next Week Prayer