We have seven sacraments in the Catholic Church. They are divided into the following: Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist; Sacraments of Service: Marriage and Holy Orders; Sacraments of Healing: Reconciliation/Confession and Anointing of the Sick. In this reflection, I would like to share on our Church’s understanding of the Anointing of the Sick.
It is important to remember that Jesus instituted the sacraments. If He did not command us to celebrate them, then we simply would not do them. In the gospel of Mark, Jesus sent the apostles on the mission to preach and evangelize. We hear that “they anointed with oil many who were sick and cured them” (Mk 6:13). The Letter of St. James states, “Is anyone among you sick? He should summon the presbyters(Priests) of the Church, and they should pray over him and anoint with oil in the name of the Lord” (James 5:14). These are the two clearest passages that support Jesus’ command to perform this sacrament. Throughout the bible, oil was used to alleviate pain and symbolizes the strength that comes from God. The gospels recount numerous times when Jesus would heal the sick in villages. The sick are given an opportunity to unite themselves to Christ on the cross. They offer up their physical and emotional sufferings to the Lord who loves them and who also suffered and died for them.
As priests, we have the sacred duty to act in Jesus’ name. Sometimes though, we do run into some misunderstandings regarding the celebration of this sacrament. First, the sacraments are for the living. The Rite for the Sick states, “When a priest has been called to attend to those who are already dead, he should not administer the sacrament of anointing. Instead he should pray for them, asking that God forgives their sins and graciously receive them into the kingdom” (Rite of Anointing no.15). Secondly, our church makes it clear that one does not need to wait until the point of death to receive the sacrament. It seems like some people feel that if they are given the Anointing, it automatically means that we have lost all hope and they are about to die. This is not true! The Sacrament is one of healing. The priest and the family members pray for the sick person and ask the Lord to give him or her strength. It can be a wonderful moment in which the sick know that they are not alone in their suffering. Jesus comes to them in the sacrament.
The Church also states the proper order of sacraments when one person is preparing himself or herself to pass on to the next life. 1. Sacrament of Reconciliation/Confession: The sick person, still able to talk and think, can confess his sins and receive absolution/forgiveness. 2. Anointing of the Sick: To give the person strength and comfort. 3. Viaticum: The sick receives Holy Communion, Jesus’ Body and Blood, spiritual food for his journey to the Kingdom of Heaven.
To conclude, I would like to list just a few things from the Rite of Anointing. It outlines who can receive the sacrament and when they should do so (No.9-12):
- The sacrament may be repeated if the sick person recovers after being anointed and then falls ill again or if the person’s condition becomes more serious.
- A sick person may be anointed before surgery whenever a serious illness is the reason for surgery. (Example: Cavity filling would not count)
- Elderly people may be anointed if they have become weakened even though no serious illness is present.
- Sick Children may be anointed if they have sufficient use of reason to be strengthened by this sacrament
