Sacraments of Healing

Sacrament of Reconciliation

Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick

Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick: Our Lords Healing Task

Illness and suffering have always been among the gravest problems confronted in human life. In illness, man experiences his powerlessness, his limitations, and his finitude. Every illness can make us glimpse death.

Anointing of the Sick

On the other hand, sickness can bring us to a more mature Faith, helping us to discern what is really important in our life, against all the superficial, passing attractions that so often dominate us. As Christians, our Faith helps us to understand better the mystery of suffering and to bear pain more bravely.

Jesus Healed the Sick

Jesus came to redeem us from all evil and thus, inaugurate the Kingdom of God. By forgiving sin and healing the sick and infirm, Jesus showed that God had visited His people (cf. Lk 7:16) and the Reign of God was at hand (cf. Mk 1:15). He cleansed lepers (cf. Lk 17:1219), gave sight to the blind (cf. Mk 10:4652), healed the deaf-mute (cf. Mk 7:3137), the paralytic (cf. Mk 2:3-12), the deformed (cf. Mk 3:1-6), those suffering from dropsy (cf. Lk. 14:1-6), hemorrhage (cf. Mk 5:25-34), and possession (cf. Mk 1:21-28; CCC 1503).

Anointing of the Sick

Jesus passed on this ministry of healing to his apostles in a particular form. Jesus summoned the Twelve and began to send them . . . they anointed the sick with oil and worked many cures (Mk 6:7,13). The Risen Christ promised the Eleven that the sick upon whom they laid their hands would recover (cf. Mk 16:18).

Anointing of the Sick

The Church fashioned the Sacrament of Anointing from these texts and from James 5:14-15. Is there anyone sick among you? He should ask for the presbyters of the Church. They in turn are to pray over him with oil in the Name [of the Lord]. This prayer uttered in faith will reclaim the one who is ill, and the Lord will restore him health. If he has committed any sin, forgiveness will be his. (Jas 5:14f, quoted by Trent; ND 1636; cf. CCC 1510).

Anointing of the Sick The Sacrament is for baptized Christians who are sick, not only for those who are at the point of death

Minister of Anointing of the Sick

The Priest and not the charismatic healers /faith healers

The effects of the Sacrament of Anointing through the grace of the Sacrament:
1. The whole man is brought to health; 2. Trust in God is encouraged, and 3. Strength is given to resist the temptations of the Evil One, and anxiety about death. A return to physical health may even follow if it will be beneficial to the sick persons salvation.

Matter of Anointing of the Sick

Anointing with the oil for the sick

Form of Anointing of the Sick

Through this holy anointing may the Lord in his love and mercy help you with the grace of the Holy Spirit. Amen May the Lord, who frees your spirit from sin, save you and raise you up. Amen."