What is the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick?

Unfortunately, life is not all sunshine and roses. We also experience, as humans, the pain of suffering and sickness. Throughout the Bible are stories of those healed by God. Jesus' ministry was characterized by a healing presence, which helped people to show forth in their lives, through the power of Jesus, in cooperation with the working of the Spirit, the goodness of God.

"From ancient times in the liturgical traditions of both East and West, we have testimonies to the practice of anointings of the sick with blessed oil." (Council of Trent, DS 1696). This healing ministry of Jesus is carried on today sacramentally in the Sacrament of Anointing, or the Sacrament of the sick. It was traditionally called "Last Rites", since it was also the last sacrament people received before death.

Today, while not neglecting the preparation of the individual shortly before their death, the sacrament also emphasizes the healing presence of Jesus. This is not simply a physical healing, but also a prayer for strength and grace to endure the suffering, by seeing one's suffering as an invitation to share in the Cross of Christ, and to join the individual's suffering with that of Christ, to, as St. Paul tells us, "make up what is still lacking in the suffering of Christ."

The Sacrament of Anointing reminds us of the invitation in the Book of James, who asks, "Are there any sick among you? Let them call the priests of the Church." The Sacrament of Anointing uses oil, which we know heals and strengthens. Through the prayers of the priest, and the community which is the Church, the sick person is invited to see the support of Christ, in the ministers of Christ and the Church.

Through the reading of Scripture, the sick person is reminded of the ongoing presence of Jesus in all of human history. Through the prayers of the priest and the community, the sick person is reminded of the faith of the whole Church community.  And, by entering into deeper relationship with God, the sick person is reminded of the invitation to embrace the God who is life, and to see in their suffering meaning and salvation.