FOR THE JOURNEY

SACRAMENTS OF HEALING

The seven sacraments of the Church are what sets us apart from other Christian denominations. While the sacrament of Baptism is what unifies us and makes us all Christian, it is the remaining sacraments that make the members of the Catholic Church a Sacramental People. This week we will look at the second sacrament of healing.

Anointing of the Sick

Jesus showed that there is a correlation between the forgiveness of sins and physical healing. In fact, Jesus taught that the forgiveness of sins was the more important aspect. In Mark 2, Jesus is presented with a paralyzed man. His friends wanted to bring the man to Jesus but were unable, due to the large crowds that had gathered. In a tremendous act of faith, they broke a hole in the roof of the building and lowered the man into the area where Jesus was teaching.                                                                                                                                                                       
When Jesus saw their faith, he said, ”My son, your sins are forgiven.” Now some of the scribes were sitting there asking themselves: “Why does the man talk in that way? He commits blas-phemy! Who can forgive sins except God alone?” Jesus responded] “Why do you harbor these thoughts? Which is easier? To say...Your sins are forgiven or to say ‘Stand up, pick up your mat, and walk again?’ Mk2: 5-7, 8b-9.

This complementary aspect of forgiveness and healing was, for a long time, a neglected reality in the practice of the Church. Prior to the Second Vatican Council, the sacrament for the sick was known as Extreme Unction - anointing at the end of life. It was administered to the dying and included Viaticum - Eucharist to sustain one through death. However, after Vatican II, the Church revised the sacrament, expanding it to include the gravely ill or those about to undergo serious surgical procedures. While Viaticum is still the sacrament for the dying, the Anointing  is for the sick. Anointing provides spiritual healing and it increases spiritual health and strength. The primary aspect of this sacrament is the forgiveness of sins and an alignment of the individual’s suffering with the suffering of Christ on the Cross. 
Is there anyone sick among you? He should ask for the [priests] of the Church. They should pray over him, anointing him with oil in the Name [of the Lord]. This prayer uttered in faith will reclaim the one who is ill and the Lord will restore him to health. If he has committed any sins, forgiveness will be his. Jas 5:14-15

Through this sacrament, people experience healing of body and soul. With the laying on of hands, the Spirit is conferred, sins are forgiven and the grace to deal with whatever faces them in illness is received. It is a hidden gem in the sacramental life of the Catholic.  It is available by simply asking.

“Signs...will accompany those who have professed their faith...and the sick upon whom they lay their hands will recover’ (Mk 16: 17-18).

Cathy Pressimone
EMCC Parish Life Coordinator
Master Catechist