SACRAMENTS

ANOINTING OF THE SICK

If you were asked to picture the sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick, what image would come to mind? Many Catholics picture a priest standing at a hospital bedside of an old person who is dying.

The Second Vatican Council called us to a renewed picture of the sacrament as a parish gathered for Mass during which the sick (some visibly ill and some apparently-healthy looking) come down the aisle to be anointed and the community prays for healing.

Healing was essential to the mission of Jesus and the disciples. “They anointed with oil many who were sick and cured them.” (Mk 6) Over the years the focus of the sacrament shifted from healing to forgiveness of sins; the time for receiving the sacrament delayed to the deathbed when forgiveness of sins would be the final preparation for heaven. Thus, it came to be known as “Extreme Unction.”

The Second Vatican Council returned the original meaning to the sacrament by emphasizing that it is not only for those who are at the point of death, but for anyone who is seriously ill, including mental or spiritual illness. Consequently what was known at “Extreme Unction” is now properly called the sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick.

This change in the name has brought about a change in understanding about the sacrament. First, this sacrament (like all sacraments) is a liturgical and communal celebration. Therefore it is very fitting to celebrate it when the parish gathers for Mass.

Second, sickness involves more that bodily illness. Because as persons we are a holistic unity of body, soul, and spirit, physical health impacts one’s mental and spiritual health. Therefore, not only physical illnesses, but also serious mental and spiritual illnesses are opportunities to celebrate the sacrament. For example, persons with the disease of alcoholism or suffering from other addictions, persons with various mental diseases, eating disorders, persons preparing for surgery are situations in which Christ’s power can be invoked in the sacrament.

Third, anointing heals through faith. The sacraments are acts of faith. The blessing over the oil asks God to “sent the power of your Holy Spirit...to make this oil a remedy for all who are anointed with it; heal them in body, in soul and in spirit and deliver them from every affliction.” Sometimes the sacrament leads to physical healing, but if not the person is still strengthened in Christ. God alone knows what kind of healing the sick one needs most.

Excerpts from Anointing the Sick by Thomas Richstatter, O.F.M., Th.D. in Catholic update January 1996