1. The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick
Chapter 7

2. “IS ANYONE AMONG YOU SUFFERING?”
The answer for any family or community is yes.
Suffering among the gravest problems we face in life
We often ask the questions “Why me?” or “How could God let this happen?”
Become angry with God
Become self absorbed
Despite the pain of suffering much good can come from it
It can lead one to God
As well as a discovery of what is important in life and what is not

3. Suffering and the Old Testament
Sickness was considered a moral condition; a punishment for their sins
Original Sin = transmission of wounded human nature to all descendants
Humans become subject to ignorance, suffering, and death
Became Church doctrine
“Law of Retribution”
People who were afflicted was due to theirs or their families sins
People who were healthy and rich were deemed upright and moral
Dismissed by Jesus

4. Theodicy
The theological question that tries to connect belief in God’s justice with the reality that sometimes good people suffer unjustly and die
Also the attempt to explain how evil can be present at the same time that God is omnipotently present
Attempts to answer the question of “Why is God letting this happen?”
Defines the issues faced by Job
Job rejects the notion that his suffering is a result of sin and comes to realize that even those who love God the most are subject to suffering

11. CELEBRATING THE SACRAMENT OF THE ANOINTING OF THE SICK
Main objective is to unite us to the Passion and Death of Christ
Administered by a priest as a representative of the Church
Intended for:
Those who re dangerously ill due to sickness or old age
May be repeated for those who recover but have illness return
Those who are sick and about to undergo surgery for the sickness
The elderly who may not be sick but become weak
Sick children if there is reason
Sick people who lose consciousness
If person dies before receiving the sacrament the priest prays for the person, asking God for forgiveness and entrance into the Kingdom but does not administer it.
If unsure if person is dead it is administered conditionally

12. Rite of Anointing Takes place in communal setting
Hospital, home, church, hospice, etc.
Family and friends encouraged to be present
May be for an individual or for an entire group in need of healing
Priest or Bishop wears white vestments
If done during Mass it takes place after the homily
Those who are to be anointed are encouraged to receive the Sacrament of Penance prior
Consists of eight parts
Introductory Rites, Liturgy of the Word, Litany or Prayer of the Faithful, Laying on of Hands, Blessing of Oil, Prayer of Thanksgiving, Anointing with Oil, and Prayer after the Anointing

13. Introductory Rites
Priest greets the sick person as well as the people gathered for support
Remembers the words of the Apostle James
“Is there anyone sick among you?”
Offers penitential rite if confession not made prior

14. Liturgy of the Word May consist of:
A first reading (usually Old Testament)
A Responsorial Psalm
A second reading (usually New Testament)
Gospel acclamation
Gospel reading
Homily
In cases of necessity the Liturgy of the Word may be considerably shortened
Along with act of repentance opens up the sacrament by calling to mind the words of Christ and awakening the faith of the sick as well as those present

15. Litany (Prayer of the Faithful)
May be adapted for the particular situation

16. Laying on of Hands
An imitation of Jesus who healed many people by laying hands on them or touching them
Priest prays over sick in the faith of the Church
Epiclesis: asking for the sanctifying power of the Holy Spirit

17. Blessing of Oil Done at Holy Thursday Mass of the Lord’s Supper
Representatives from each parish are in attendance with Oil of Sick, Sacred Chrism, and Oil of Catechumens
Bishop blesses each oil individually
In case of necessity any priest may bless the oil as well using the same words as the bishop

18. Prayer of Thanksgiving
Thanks God for sending His Son to live among us and bring us salvation
Praises Christ for his humility to share in our humanity
Praises the Holy Spirit for healing power
Asks God through Christ to heal the one to be anointed with Holy Oil

19. Anointing with Oil of the Sick
Anoints the sick persons forehead
“Through this holy anointing, may the Lord in his love and mercy help you with the grace of the Holy Spirit.”
Then anoints the hands of the sick person
“May the Lord who frees you from sin save you and raise you up.”

20. Prayer after Anointing
The prayer should be drawn on parts of Scripture that speak of the mystery of human suffering in Christ
The sick also encourage to pray alone or with family members

21. Viaticum - “Food for the Journey”
A separate liturgical rite for those who are dying
Considered our “last rites”
Eucharist
Penance
Anointing
Renewal of our baptismal vows
Marks the end of our earthly pilgrimage and prepares us to enter eternal life

22. THE GRACE OF THE ANOINTING OF THE SICK
Not to be considered a magic cure
Cannot expect to be immediately cured of all our ailments
However, miracles have and can occur
Important to keep in mind
Healing ALWAYS takes place as a result of the sacrament in some way
Results are tangible and real

23. The Sacrament is a Particular Gift of the Holy Spirit
The first grace a person experiences is to accept the trials of being sick
Gives us strength, peace, and courage to overcome the trials
Our soul is healed, and if it is God’s will also our body
In addition, our sins are forgiven

24. The Sacrament Provides a grace to Unite with the Passion of Christ
Suffering is given a new meaning when it connects us to the saving works of Christ
Suffering is a result of Original Sin and before Christ was a very hopeless situation
Now we join Christ
Think watching your teammates undergo a punishment for your sake as opposed to you doing it with them

25. The Sacrament Is a Grace for the Church
By uniting ourselves to Christ through the Sacrament we witness to the truth of Christ’s Redemption
The bonds of the Body of Christ are strengthened
Those outside experience the truth that has occurred because of your faith

26. The Sacrament Is a Preparation for the Final Journey
We accept our situation as Jesus accepted his in the Garden of Gethsemane
Jesus began to feel sorrow and distress but after pray became encouraged and accepted his death
Reminds us of our transformation in Baptism and Confirmation
Recalls for us that our lives have meaning and purpose

27. HOW WE LIVE THE EFFECTS OF THE SACRAMENT
Causes us to look at suffering in a new way
Move from self-centeredness to God-centeredness

28. From Self-Centeredness to God-Centeredness
Conversion - abandon ourselves for God
Grow in holiness by imitating the same attitude toward suffering as Christ did
Identify with Jesus
St. Therese of Lisieux
St. Ignatius of Loyola
***Put away the self that we want and take up the life that we are called to
Christ = “Anointed One”
When we celebrate this Sacrament we are anointed and joined to Christ

29. From Self-Centeredness to Other-Centeredness
Transformation into Christ means that we willingly sacrifice ourselves for others
Bring healing to others
We know what it is like to suffering and receive healing
We can share our first hand experience of God’s compassion with others and encourage them in their suffering