What is Anointing of the Sick:
Why is anointing of the sick so important? In times of illness and suffering, we often find ourselves searching for solace and strength to endure. It is during these moments of vulnerability that the sacrament of Anointing the Sick shines forth as a beacon of hope and healing in the Catholic Church.
Anointing the Sick, formerly known as the Last Rites, brings comfort, grace, and spiritual healing to those who are facing physical or emotional challenges due to illness or old age. At the heart of this sacrament lies the tender mercy of our compassionate God. Through the anointing with blessed oil and the prayers of the priest, the recipient is enveloped in the loving embrace of Christ, who Himself bore our infirmities and carried our diseases. It is a moment of profound encounter with the Divine Physician, who offers healing not only for the body but also for the soul.
A Sacrament of Hope:
It is a sacrament of hope, reminding us that even in the midst of suffering, God’s love and grace are ever-present, offering comfort and strength to endure. Myself and my husband have both encountered this sacrament in our times of serious illness the last few years. It was a huge blessing to receive and know that God was with us until the end, if it was our time to go home. As we reflect on the sacrament of Anointing the Sick, let us remember the words of St. James: “Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up” (James 5:14-15).
To receive the sacrament of Anointing the Sick is to entrust oneself into the loving care of the Church, the Body of Christ, and to unite one’s sufferings with the redemptive suffering of Christ Himself. It is a gesture of faith and surrender, acknowledging our dependence on God’s mercy and grace. As we journey through life with its inevitable trials and tribulations, let us take comfort in the knowledge that we are never alone. The sacrament of Anointing the Sick reminds us that Christ walks with us in our suffering, offering His healing touch and the promise of eternal life. May we embrace this sacrament with open hearts, trusting in the abundant grace and mercy of our loving God.