The Sacraments: Anointing of the Sick

The Anointing of the Sick, the forgotten Sacrament of the Church (probably because its always put last in a series on the Sacraments by amateur theolo . . . woops) is often considered as a last ditch effort to unite oneself with Christ before death. However, its graces far surpass the "good luck seal" mentality, and has wider application than one's death bed. And while, like Holy Orders, I don't know as much about the Anointing of the Sick as I should (or enough to adequately write a blog on it) I will attempt to give a proper explanation for it- mostly because I'm OCD and can't start something without legitimately finishing it . . . anyway

Where'd it come from?

The use of oils for healing purposes is found in many ancient cultures, including Greek and Jewish communities. For Christians, the various commands of Christ to "heal the sick"- Mark 6:13, Matthew 10:8, Luke 10:8-9 - is where the sacrament finds its origins. However, the ultimate scriptural proof text for the particulars of the sacrament come in the Letter of St. James when he says "Is any among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord; and the prayer of faith will save the sick man, and the Lord will raise him up; and if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven." (James 5:14-15). Sounds like a pretty clear defense, right? Of course right.

What it does?

Throughout human history grave illness has been one of the greatest problems confronted. In illness we experience our vulnerability, our weakness, and- perhaps most dauntingly- our finitude. The Catechism of the Catholic Church says: "Illness can lead to anguish, self-absorption, sometimes even despair and revolt against God. It can also make a person more mature, helping him discern in his life what is not essential so he can turn toward that which is. Very often illness provokes a search for God and a return to him." Given that the Church (and therefore Christ himself) would prefer the latter result, this Sacrament's seal of special graces for those who are facing grave illness is among the utmost of import. These graces are:

• uniting the sick person to the passion of Christ, for his own good and that of the whole Church
• giving strength, peace, and courage to endure in a Christian manner the sufferings of illness
• offering the forgiveness of sins, if the sick person was not able to obtain it through the sacrament of penance
• restoring the health of the individual, if it is conducive to the salvation of his soul
• preparing for passing over to eternal life

These graces properly prepare the soul, encumbered with the vulnerability of grave illness, to grow in oneness with God during this time of trial and tribulation. More importantly, in the event that such an illness should become terminal, it prepares the soul for reception into God.

God Bless,