Anointing of the Sick Chapter Seven

The Mystery of Suffering Jesus did not come to explain or take away suffering—he came to be with people as they suffered We should try to eliminate suffering only if we are not eliminating love

Seek blessing of good health so we can fulfill our role in society and in the Church The Mystery of Suffering Accept suffering—move through it with love and trust in God

When we suffer God suffers with us God is present in all of our suffering— God’s love intensifies The Mystery of Suffering

Jesus’ great compassion and identification with the sick Jesus’ preferential love for the suffering –Suffering participate in God’s kingdom in unique way –Those healed by Jesus understood what it meant to be granted new life Jesus Healed Body and Soul

Jesus instructed disciples to heal the sick As Church, we are responsible to heal the sick Jesus healed bodies, relationships, and souls Jesus Healed Body and Soul

Sometimes it is the spirit that needs the most healing

Jesus gave meaning to suffering 1.) Jesus’ suffering was redemptive – It brought humanity back into the fullness of relationship with God 2.) Jesus’ suffering redeemed humanity Sin brought illness, suffering, and death into the world- not part of God’s plan Jesus Healed Body and Soul

Illness or suffering gives us opportunity to surrender completely to God Suffering frees us to embrace love with the wholeheartedness of Jesus Suffering allows us to prioritize what is important from what is insignificant Jesus Healed Body and Soul

God invites us to share in the work of redemption God gives us ability to give to others Suffering is opportunity to love as Jesus loved Jesus Healed Body and Soul

Loving through suffering unites us with Christ – Our suffering becomes part of Christ’s suffering Beautiful gift to become Christ-like through suffering – Great power to make a difference Jesus Healed Body and Soul

We need Holy Spirit to endure suffering Church gives the sacrament of Anointing to help those suffering use their illness in service to Christ Sacrament of Anointing

Rite of Anointing: Sacrament of Anointing Olive oil blessed by bishop, anointing on forehead and hands with prayer Sacrament for seriously ill; can be repeated if necessary Sacrament takes place within Mass, outside of Mass, or in hospital or institution Priest is minister of the sacrament

Unites sick or elderly with passion of Christ “Consecrated” to participate in saving work of Jesus Special grace of Holy Spirit given Church intercedes to help the sick and the sick in turn assist the Church Nourishment given to pass over into eternal life with God Effects of the Sacrament

Sacrament instituted by Jesus in his healing ministry Earliest reference found in letter of James Followers of Jesus anointed and laid hands on sick Historical Development

Incurable illness related to persistent sin Seriously ill believed to be separated from healing love of God

2 nd - 7 th Century prayer of healing seen as part of overall ministry of Church Middle Ages Sacrament associated with death, could only be offered by priest 12th Century Extreme unction: “last anointing” - insurance against hell 1439 Council of Florence declares sacrament only for dying Historical Development

From Council of Trent through Vatican II sacrament associated with “last rites” Vatican II renames sacrament “Anointing of the Sick” Historical Development

- Sacrament not just for the dying, but also the seriously ill - Anointing seen as part of mission of everyone in the Church - As minister, priest is spokesperson of the whole Church Historical Development

Anointing strengthens connection between seriously ill and the rest of the body of Christ Grace given in the sacrament is always a healing grace –Sometimes physical, sometimes for forgiveness of sins, sometimes spiritual Historical Development