Fr. JC Maximilian

[“Extreme Unction” by Rogier Van der Weyden]

        “Suffering and illness have always been among the greatest problems that trouble the human spirit. Christians feel and experience pain as do all other people; yet their faith helps them to grasp more deeply the mystery of suffering and to bear their pain with greater courage” (Pastoral Care of the Sick: Rites of Anointing and Viaticum, “General Introduction,” #1). So begins the “General Introduction” for the Pastoral Care of the Sick: Rites of Anointing and Viaticum. Today’s Gospel reading is just one example of Jesus’ healing ministry. The core message of Jesus’ healings tells us of His plan to conquer sin and death by His dying and rising. The cures that He performed were signs of the arrival of the Kingdom of God. The Church continues this important ministry of Christ through the sacrament of Anointing of the Sick, which Jesus instituted. Sadly, this beautiful sacrament of the Church is one of the most misunderstood. So just what is this sacrament all about?
        Many people often refer to this sacrament as “Last Rites,” which seems to imply that it is only for those who are dying. This is the result of an unfortunate translation of the Latin name for the sacrament. While the sacrament is not meant to be used for non-serious illnesses, like the common cold, it is also not meant to be restricted to just those who are about to die. Anyone who is suffering from a serious illness can and should make use of this sacrament. This would include any surgery, especially if general anesthesia is going to be used. If one knows that one is going to have surgery, they should contact one of the priests to set up an appointment to be anointed before their surgery.
        Primary effect of the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick is a spiritual healing by which the sick person receives the Holy Spirit’s gift of peace and courage to deal with the difficulties that accompany serious illness or the frailty of old age. There is a hope, that if it is God’s will, that there will be a physical healing. The sick person’s sins are also forgiven if they were not able to go to Confession prior to the celebration of Anointing. Through the sacrament, the sick person is encouraged to unite their suffering with the Passion of Christ; receiving the grace of sharing in the saving work of Christ. The sacrament also reminds the sick person that they are still united to the Church. No one should have to face infirmity without the consolation of others. Finally, if the illness is terminal, the Sacrament of Anointing prepares the sick person for their final journey when they depart from this life.
        In the celebration of the sacrament, the priest greets the sick person, and then reads from the Letter of St. James, which says, “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 5:14–15 NAB)
        The priest then offers the person the opportunity to confess their sins and receive sacramental absolution. Then the priest lays his hands on the sick person. Not only is this the action of calling down the Holy Spirit, but it imitates Jesus who is not afraid to touch the sick, not even the leper in today’s gospel reading. The priest then anoints the forehead and palms of the sick person with oil that has been blessed by the Bishop at the Chrism Mass during Holy week. The words of this blessing is, “Lord God, Loving Father, you bring healing to the sick through Your Son Jesus Christ. Hear us as we pray to You in faith, and send the Holy Spirit, Man’s Helper and Friend, upon this oil which nature has provided to serve the needs of men. May Your Blessing come upon all who are anointed with this oil, that they may be freed from pain and illness and made well again in body, mind, and soul. Father, may this oil be blessed for our use in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ who lives and reigns with You for ever and ever. Amen.” As the priest anoints the person’s forehead he says, “Through this holy anointing may the Lord in His love and mercy help you with the grace of the Holy Spirit.” And then as he anoints their hands he says, “May the Lord who frees you from your sin save you and raise you up.”
        The rite concludes with all present saying the Lord’s Prayer, and a final prayer and blessing by the priest.
        The sick remind others of the essential or higher things. By their witness the sick show that our mortal life must be redeemed through the mystery of Christ’s death and resurrection. So if you are seriously ill, or knows someone who is, do not be afraid to make use of this powerful sacrament of God’s love.