ANOINTING OF THE SICK
Why did Christ give us the sacrament of anointing of the Sick?
Christ’s love is shown in the fact that he seeks the lost and heals the sick. That is why he gave us the Sacraments of healing and restoration, in which we are freed from sin and strengthened in our physical and spiritual weakness.
Why did Jesus show so much interest in the sick?
Jesus came in order to show God’s love. He often did this in places where we feel especially threatened: in the weakening of our life through sickness. God wants us to become well in body and soul and, therefore, to believe and to acknowledge the coming of God’s kingdom.
For whom is the sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick intended?
The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick can be received by any Catholic whose health is in a critical state. One can receive the Anointing of the Sick several times in one’s life. Therefore it makes sense for young people to ask for this sacrament also, if, for example, they are about to undergo a serious operation. On such occasions many Catholics combine the Anointing of the Sick with a (general) confession; in case the operation fails, they want to go to meet God with a clear conscience.
How is the Anointing of the Sick administered?
The essential ritual by which the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick is administered consists of an anointing of the forehead and hands with holy oil, accompanied by prayers.
The Anointing of the Sick imparts consolation, peace, and strength and unites the sick person, in his precarious situation and his sufferings, with Christ in a profound way. For the Lord experienced our fears and bore our pains in his body. For many people the Anointing of the Sick brings about physical healing. But if God should decide to call someone home to himself, he gives him in the Anointing of the Sick the strength for all the physical and spiritual battles on his final journey. In any case, the Anointing of the Sick has the effect of forgiving sins.
How to receive the sacrament of anointing of the sick?
The priests of the parish are always available to celebrate these sacraments in people’s homes if requested, and to arrange for Holy Communion to be brought to the sick and housebound.