Anointing of the Sick: A Sacrament of Healing and Hope

Introduction to the Anointing of the Sick

The Anointing of the Sick is a sacrament that brings spiritual and sometimes physical strength during an illness, especially near the time of death. It is a profound source of comfort and healing for the faithful who are suffering from serious illness or the frailty of old age. Through this sacrament, the Church commends the faithful to the suffering and glorified Lord, asking for relief and the salvation of their souls.

Scriptural Foundations

The scriptural basis for the Anointing of the Sick is found in the Letter of James in the New Testament. James 5:14-15 states, "Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven." This passage clearly outlines the early Christian practice of anointing the sick, emphasizing prayer, the use of oil, and the invocation of the Lord's name as essential elements of this sacramental act. It highlights the sacrament's dual purpose of healing and forgiveness, grounded in the community's faith and the power of prayer.

The Purpose of the Sacrament

Conferring Grace

The Anointing of the Sick confers a special grace upon the recipient. This grace strengthens the sick person's resolve to bear suffering bravely, promotes peace and courage to overcome the difficulties associated with illness or the frailty of old age, and provides a spiritual boost to resist discouragement and temptation.

Uniting with Christ's Passion

One of the most profound aspects of this sacrament is its ability to unite the sick person with Christ's passion. Suffering, when accepted and offered up with the suffering of Jesus, can become a means of purification and salvation. The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC 1520) illuminates this mystery, teaching that the sick are given a grace to unite themselves more closely to Christ’s Passion, in a way that contributes to the good of the Church and the entirety of humanity for whom the Church suffers and offers herself through Christ to God the Father.

Preparation for the Final Journey

The Anointing of the Sick also prepares the soul for its final journey to eternal life. It is a sacrament of hope, ensuring that the sick are not alone in their suffering but are accompanied by the prayers of the Church and the comfort of the sacrament. For those nearing the end of their earthly life, this sacrament offers not only spiritual support to face death with peace but also the assurance of God's mercy and the promise of eternal life.

Conclusion

The Anointing of the Sick is a vital sacrament of comfort, healing, and hope. It acknowledges the profound human experience of suffering and the Christian call to find meaning in it through union with Christ. By conferring grace, uniting the sick with Christ's Passion, and preparing them for their final journey, the sacrament serves as a powerful testament to the Church's care for the body and soul, offering a profound witness to the compassionate presence of God in the midst of human frailty and suffering.