Eternally Catholic

The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick

And He said, “If you will listen carefully to the voice of the LORD your God,
and do what is right in His sight, and listen to His commandments,
and keep all His statutes, I will put none of the diseases on you which
I have put on the Egyptians; for I, the LORD, am your healer.”
Exodus 15, 26 Is anyone among you sick?

He should summon the presbyters of the church, and they should pray over him
and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord, and the prayer of faith will save the sick person,
and the Lord will raise him up. If he has committed any sins, he will be forgiven.
James 5, 14-16

The Anointing of the Sick, traditionally known as Extreme Unction, is a sacrament in the Catholic Church designated for individuals who are gravely ill or elderly. This sacrament is believed to impart both physical and spiritual healing in accordance with God’s will. It offers essential graces that assist the sick individual in preparing for death, providing comfort, hope, and the possibility of forgiveness of sins, even if the person is unable to participate in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. The sacrament is frequently administered when someone is nearing death, aimed at bestowing spiritual and physical strength. The sacrament is administered by a priest or bishop, who possesses the authority to perform this rite using oil blessed by the bishop. This practice is rooted in the belief that Christ granted his apostles and their appointed successors special authority over both natural and supernatural matters.

The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick is an essential component of Catholic theology, deeply rooted in the concept of “the economy of salvation.” This concept suggests that the presence of sin in the world has resulted in illness and suffering, affecting humanity at large. Illness often leaves individuals feeling powerless and limited, serving as a humbling experience. Those facing serious or chronic health issues are confronted with the reality of mortality, which can evoke various emotions, such as fear or despair (as noted in the Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1500).

Conversely, illness and suffering can also yield positive outcomes. They may encourage individuals to pursue a deeper understanding of their lives and the world, prompting them to reassess their priorities and values. Additionally, these experiences can lead to a search for spiritual nourishment and guidance. Therefore, illness can serve as an opportunity for personal growth and transformation.

Suffering and illness can often be challenging and overwhelming, leading individuals to experience a range of emotions such as anger, frustration, and despair, especially when faced with chronic or debilitating conditions. In this context, the Catholic Church offers guidance, teaching that even in times of suffering, one can find meaning and purpose through faith. During the Anointing of the Sick, the Church offers prayers for healing and grace, accompanied by the anointing of the sick person with holy oil. The sacrament provides comfort and strength to the individual, aiding them in their journey toward reconciliation with God (CCC, 1501). Ultimately, the Anointing of the Sick emphasizes the belief that, despite illness and suffering, individuals are never alone in their struggles, as God’s love and mercy are continually present.

The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick holds significant importance within the Church. It is a means through which Jesus expresses his compassion and love towards individuals who are ill or nearing the end of life. This sacrament offers spiritual and, at times, physical healing, as it provides divine graces to those who are suffering. By receiving this sacrament, individuals can experience relief from their distress and anxiety, fostering reconciliation with God and promoting peace and spiritual comfort in their lives.

In the context of the Old Covenant, the people chosen by God held the belief that their illnesses and misfortunes were often seen as consequences of sin. This understanding led them to lament and seek forgiveness from God in order to restore their relationship with Him. They viewed sickness not merely as a hardship, but as a means for spiritual conversion and an opportunity for seeking God’s grace. True Israelites strived to maintain peace with God even amidst difficult circumstances, while others might only desire a temporary change in their fortunes. It was widely believed during this time that illness was linked to sin and evil, yet faithfulness to God was seen as a path to restoration and healing in life (CCC, 1502).

In ancient Israelite society, illness was often interpreted as a means of spiritual conversion and an opportunity to seek divine grace. It was commonly believed that suffering from illness served as a call from God for His people to repent and seek His mercy and forgiveness. The faithful were encouraged to maintain their relationship with God even amid unfavorable circumstances, focusing not merely on a change in their material conditions but on spiritual restoration.

Moreover, illness was frequently associated with sin and viewed as a form of divine punishment for disobedience. Despite this belief, the Israelites also held that remaining faithful to God could lead to the restoration of life and health. The act of seeking God’s forgiveness and grace was perceived as essential to regaining both physical and spiritual well-being. Thus, while illness was seen as a manifestation of divine retribution for sin, it also provided an opportunity for individuals to repent and re-establish their connection with God, ultimately seeking healing and restoration.

The New Covenant highlights how Christ represents the physician, reflecting his intrinsic unity with the Father. His immense compassion for those who were sick or disabled, coupled with multiple miraculous healings, served as a significant indication that God had come to visit His people and that the kingdom of God was present among them (see Luke 7:16; Matthew 4:24). Jesus’ mission in the world was to heal the whole person, addressing both physical and spiritual dimensions by offering forgiveness for their sins. Individuals, either physically or spiritually unwell, had a profound need for his presence (Mk 2:5-12). Furthermore, Jesus explicitly identified with the sick, urging us to emulate his love and compassion for those in need (Mt 25:36).

The healing ministry of Jesus Christ was a crucial aspect of his mission during his time on earth. He performed numerous acts of compassion, such as restoring sight to the blind, healing individuals with leprosy, and even raising the dead. These miracles not only demonstrated his divine nature but also reflected his profound love for humanity. In addition, Jesus often used his healing acts as opportunities to teach essential spiritual truths. For example, in the story of a paralyzed man, he proclaimed the man’s sins forgiven, illustrating the deep connection between physical and spiritual healing (Mk 2:1-12). In another account, from Mark 8 and John 9, Jesus healed a blind man at Bethsaida by making mud with his saliva and applying it to the man’s eyes. John’s version of the story leads to a more extended discussion about spiritual blindness, highlighting the relationship between physical vision and spiritual insight. Overall, Christ’s healing ministry was fundamental to his mission of salvation, showcasing his enduring love and compassion for all people.

According to the teachings of the Magisterium of the Church, Christians are encouraged to pay special attention to those who are suffering, both physically and spiritually, reflecting Jesus’ preferential love for the sick (CCC, 1503). In this context, the sacramental rite is performed by a priest who acts in the person of Christ, serving as a spiritual healer. While the priest’s main focus is on providing spiritual healing, there have also been remarkable instances where individuals have experienced physical healing. This has often been linked to the forgiveness of sins and the reconciliation with God, made possible through the grace of sanctification or justification that the sacrament bestows.

Jesus bestowed upon his apostles the authority to participate in his priestly ministry and to proclaim the gospel. He empowered them to call individuals to repentance and granted them the ability to cast out demons and heal the sick, which they accomplished through the anointing of oil on the heads of those in need, as recorded in Mark 6:12-13.

In the Catholic rite, the priest conducts a significant ceremony where he prays over an individual and anoints their head and hands with holy oil, referred to as chrism. This anointing serves as a conduit for the manifestation and operation of the Holy Spirit’s power, facilitating supernatural outcomes. The act of anointing is considered a divine power, embodying the presence of the Holy Spirit. This presence enables the transmission of efficacious divine grace, which aims to heal the soul and restore it to a state of good health. Through this anointing, the effectiveness of divine grace is visibly realized in the recipient’s life. By receiving the anointing, the individual gains access to the power of the Holy Spirit, who is regarded as the ultimate source of all supernatural strength. Consequently, the anointing is a vital mechanism through which God’s supernatural power is revealed, enabling the healing of the soul. This process allows the person to embrace the grace of God, empowering them to lead a life characterized by faith, hope, and love.

The phenomenon of spiritual restoration often includes miraculous physical healings, highlighting the intricate relationship between suffering and sin. A notable instance is the healing of a paralytic by Jesus, which served to demonstrate his authority to forgive sins. This event suggests that, without this divine authority, the miracle would not have taken place, as documented in the Gospel accounts (Mt 9:1-8; Mk 2:1-12; Lk 5:17-26). The reaction of the scribes and Pharisees, who were indignant and asserted that only God has the power to forgive sins, reflects their failure to recognize Jesus as God incarnate. As a human, Jesus received divine authority from the Father to forgive sins and the capability to perform miraculous cures through the Holy Spirit. Furthermore, this authority and power were extended from Jesus to his apostles, emphasizing that it was through his humanity that the divine Person fulfilled his priestly ministry.

The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick is a sacred practice within the Catholic Church, administered by a priest who has the authority to perform this rite. During the ceremony, the priest applies chrism, a consecrated oil, to the forehead and palms of individuals who are gravely or chronically ill and nearing death, following the Roman rite. This anointing serves as a significant symbol, representing the spiritual strength provided to the recipient, particularly through the graces of faith and hope. While its primary intention is spiritual, addressing the individual’s relationship with God, the sacrament also acknowledges and seeks to alleviate the physical aspects of illness. It offers comfort and support to those suffering, while also symbolizing the individual’s consecration to God. For the sacrament to be effective, the recipient is encouraged to have faith in God and His healing power as conveyed through this rite. Additionally, a repentant heart is essential for receiving the forgiveness of sins.

The Catholic Church’s Universal Magisterium teaches that the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick is a special gift from the Holy Spirit. This sacrament is designed to provide grace that offers strengthening, peace, and courage to individuals facing the challenges of serious illness or aging. Through the Holy Spirit, this sacramental grace helps renew trust and faith in God, while also providing strength to resist temptations, discouragement, and fear of death. While healing of the soul and body may occur, it is contingent upon God’s will. Moreover, for those who have sinned, this sacrament also provides the opportunity for forgiveness. (CCC, 1520).

In the context of the sacrament, miraculous physical healing of the body is not a common occurrence as a result of divine intervention. Instead, the emphasis lies on the psychological and emotional benefits provided by the Holy Spirit. Instances of miraculous healing are relatively rare, as enduring suffering can foster a deeper connection with the passion of Christ. Through this sacrament, individuals who are ill receive the grace and strength necessary to draw closer to the trials endured by Christ, enabling them to bear spiritual fruit by aligning themselves with the Savior’s redemptive suffering. Suffering, which originates from the stain of original sin, is redefined as it becomes an opportunity to participate in the salvific work of Jesus. (CCC, 1521).

Christ’s teachings provide a profound perspective on suffering and death, viewing them as consequences of original sin. Through His sacrifice, He has transformed these experiences, which are often seen as negative, into opportunities for growth and redemption. To fully experience the benefits of this redemptive act, individuals are encouraged to participate actively in this process. By uniting their own suffering with that of Christ, believers can address their temporal debts of sin while also benefiting from the eternal debt that Christ has already settled on their behalf. Accepting suffering, therefore, becomes a means of making temporal reparation for sins committed. The grace offered through the sacraments equips individuals with the understanding and strength necessary to embrace this truth, allowing them to accept their personal crosses. This participation alongside Christ is seen as a pathway to salvation, ultimately leading to the promise of eternal life (Mt 16:24; 2 Tim 2:11-12).

The grace received through the sacrament enables individuals to be transformed and conformed to Christ in his passion, death, and resurrection. This transformational grace is not confined to the individual recipient; it also extends to the entire Church and the people of God, a concept referred to as “ecclesial grace.” When individuals receive this sacrament during times of illness, they participate in the passion of Christ, contributing positively to the well-being of the broader community of believers. The Church, in its communion of saints, actively intercedes for the sick person by celebrating the sacrament, which in turn aids in the sanctification of the Church and benefits all members of the faith community. This relationship is articulated in the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC, 1522), which emphasizes that through this sacramental participation, the sick person engages in self-sacrifice and may merit grace (de congruo) for the entire body of Christ, as highlighted in Colossians 1:24.

When preparing for the end of life, it is important to seek the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick from a priest or bishop as soon as death is approaching. This sacrament offers comfort and healing to those experiencing pain and suffering, helping to prepare them for their encounter with God. Additionally, individuals who are gravely ill or nearing death should receive the Holy Eucharist as Viaticum. This practice of receiving the body and blood of Christ at the time of passing holds profound significance, symbolizing our faith in Christ and His promise of eternal life. The Eucharist not only represents the seed of eternal life but also the power of resurrection, as highlighted in John 6:54, which states, “He who eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day” (CCC, 1524).

The term viaticum derives from the Latin word “via” or “way,” meaning “provision for a journey.” In the Catholic Church, Viaticum refers to the Eucharist given to a person who is dying or in danger of death. This sacrament provides spiritual nourishment and strength for the individual’s journey to the afterlife. When the Eucharist is given as Viaticum, it is provided in the usual form, with additional words saying, “May the Lord Jesus Christ protect you and lead you to eternal life.” This phrase signifies the importance of the sacrament, which is intended to aid the person in passing from this life to the next.

The sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist are collectively referred to as “the sacraments of Christian initiation.” These sacraments signify the commencement of an individual’s journey as a Christian and are regarded as essential to the Catholic faith. Conversely, the sacraments of Reconciliation (or Penance), the Anointing of the Sick, and the Eucharist as Viaticum represent the latter stages of the Christian life. Commonly known as the “Last Rites,” these sacraments are designed to prepare individuals for their final passage to the afterlife. They offer spiritual healing, the forgiveness of sins, and provide comfort and peace for both the individual and their loved ones. According to the Catholic Catechism, these sacraments “prepare for our heavenly homeland” and “complete the earthly pilgrimage” (CCC, 1525). Therefore, they are vital for Catholics who seek to be fully equipped for their ultimate journey and to transition into the afterlife with faith and serenity.

Perseverance is an essential character trait for us to succeed in life. It means determination to work hard regardless of any odds or obstacles. It is to insist and to be firm on getting something done and not give up. This practical definition can be applied in a spiritual sense and in a Christian context:

Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do:
forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead,
I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 3, 13-14

Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering,
for he who promised is faithful.
Hebrews 10, 23

For you have need of endurance,
so that when you have done the will of God
you may receive what is promised.
Heb 10, 36

“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds,
for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.
And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete,
lacking in nothing.”
James 1, 2-4

.

Early Sacred Tradition

St. Hippolytus (c. A.D. 215)
Apostolic Tradition, 5:2

“O God who sanctifiest this oil as Thou dost grant unto all who are anointed
and receive of it the hallowing wherewith Thou didst anoint kings and priests
and prophets, so grant that it may give strength to all that taste of it and health
to all that use it.”

Origen of Alexandria (A.D. 244)
Homily on Leviticus, 2:4

“In addition to these there is also a seventh [sacrament], albeit hard and laborious
In this way there is fulfilled that too, which the Apostle James says: ‘If then, there is
anyone sick, let him call the presbyters of the Church, and let them impose hands
upon him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord; and the prayer of faith
will save the sick man, and if he be in sins, they shall be forgiven him.’”

Aphraates the Persian Sage (A.D. 345)
Treatises, 23:3

Of the sacrament of life, by which Christians [baptism], priests, kings and prophets
are made perfect; it illuminates darkness [in confirmation], anoints the sick, and by
its secret sacrament restores penitents.”

St. Ambrose of Milan (A.D. 390)
Penance, 1,8:36

“Why, then, do you lay on hands, and believe it to be the effect of the blessing, if
perchance some sick person recovers Why do you assume that any can be cleansed
by you from the pollution of the devil? Why do you baptize if sins cannot be
remitted by man? If baptism is certainly the remission of all sins, what difference
does it make whether priests claim that this power is given to them in penance or at
the font? In each the mystery is one.”

“Behold, I have given you authority to tread upon serpents and scorpions,
and over all the power of the enemy; and nothing shall hurt you.”
Luke 10, 19

PAX VOBISCUM