A special sacrament for the sick & suffering:
“The Catechism of the Catholic Church’s section on the Anointing of the Sick defines the purpose of the sacrament as “the conferral of a special grace on the Christian experiencing the difficulties inherent in the condition of grave illness or old age.” (Catechism, 1527)

In his Gospel St. Mark (6:12-13) gives us an indication of this sacrament of the sick when he tells us that the apostles, going forth, “preached that men should repent, and they cast out many devils, and anointed with oil many sick people, and healed them.”

However, the classical description which the Bible gives of the sacrament of Anointing of the Sick is found in the Epistle of St. James: Is anyone among you sick? Let him bring in the presbyters [priests] of the Church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the sick man, and the Lord will raise him up, and if he be in sins, they shall be forgiven him. (James 5:14-15)”

Why this Sacrament?
Graces of the sacrament:
In common with all the sacraments, Anointing of the Sick confers sanctifying grace. This increased sanctifying grace, since it presupposes that the recipient already is free from mortal sin (from the Sacrament of Reconciliation), is intensified in the soul so that supernatural life, that oneness with God, which is the source of all spiritual strength is also the measure of our capacity for the happiness of heaven.

Besides this increase in sanctifying grace, Anointing of the Sick gives its own special sacramental grace. The primary purpose of the special grace of Anointing of the Sick is to comfort and to strengthen the soul of the sick person. This is the grace that quiets anxiety and dissipates fear. It is the grace which enables the sick person to embrace God’s will and to face the possibility of death without apprehension. It is the grace which gives the soul the strength to face and conquer whatever temptations to doubt, despondency, or even despair may mark Satan’s last effort to seize this soul for himself.

Doubtless some who read this have already received the Anointing of the Sick, perhaps multiple times. If so, they know by experience, what peace of mind and confidence in God this sacrament bestows.

Timing:
When Should One Receive this Sacrament?
Certainly it is different for each person. Much depends upon their readiness and ability to accept their illness as well as their level of faith. BUT in my priestly opinion, the Sacrament is most comforting to the person who is ill—and to their loved ones—when it is given when he or she is alert and able to hear and understand the prayers and actions of the Sacrament. To hear the prayerful words of God’s Love, to be reminded of His desire to be with us for all Eternity, and to listen to Scripture assuring us of God’s perfect healing for our body, mind and soul—His forgiving love—brings peace to the patient and to those gathered in the room as loved ones present share in this sacred moment. With families living far distances apart, fewer priests on duty at hospitals or just the businesses of everyday parish life which can limit one’s availability, we should all take a new look at the power of this Sacrament—and recall that our Catholic Sacraments were created and instituted by Christ, because He knows we need them—He created to assist us for they are visible signs of the unseen love of God for each one of us. If you have a loved one who is ill or wish to know more about the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick, please feel free to ask me or call the parish office at 860 658 1642.