From the Pastor:
The Gospel of Mark gives us a clear passage for the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick. Jairus ask Jesus, “Please come lay your hands on her that she may get well and live” (5:23). Today there are many misunderstandings about this Sacrament. The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick is administered to anyone who is seriously ill and those who are in danger of death due to old age. Jesus showed great love and compassion for those who were sick and suffering.
The priest continues the work of Christ through the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick. This sacred anointing was instituted by Christ our Lord as a true and proper sacrament of the New Testament. It is alluded to indeed by Mark, but is recommended to the faithful and promulgated by James the Apostle.
These are the essential parts to this Sacrament. The Sacrament consists in the blessing said by the priest and holy oil. The priest anoints the sick person on the forehead and tops of both hands. It can be received more than once in times of serious illness. It gives the sick special graces that enable them to have a deep sorrow for their sins. This sorrow is required to have sins forgiven. It may restore the person to health. Often the person can receive not only a physical healing but a spiritual healing also.
Today some Catholics shy away from receiving the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick because they feel if the priest anoints them death will follow immediately. This Sacrament is good for us because it helps prepare us to see Our Lord. Catholics should never put off calling the priest at the last moment. It is always best to call the priest soon when there is a serious health issue. Priests today live a busy life and may not be able to get there for some time.
What then does the Church ask the sick to do? The Church asks the sick to help their fellow Christians by offering their sufferings in union with the sufferings of Christ. It doesn’t do any good to let suffering go to waste. We should use our suffering for the good of souls. In turn, we receive grace for our own salvation.
The Anointing of the Sick prepares us for eternal life, if it is our time to die. It also promotes healing and the restoration of health, if it is God’s will that we serve Him still longer here on earth. We can contribute to the welfare of the Church, not only by repairing the damage done by ours sins, but also my meriting grace for the Holiness of the people of God. This week let us examine the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick.
