The twelve were sent out by our Blessed Lord and “they anointed with oil many who were sick and cured them.” This brings us to one of the sacraments of the Church known as Anointing of the Sick.
We receive further instruction concerning it in the Book of James. Here we hear: “Are there people sick among you? Let them send for the priests of the Church, and let the priests pray over them, anointing them with oil in the name of the Lord. The prayer of faith will save the sick persons, and the Lord will raise them up. If they have committed any sins, their sins will be forgiven them.”
To receive this sacrament one must be in danger of death from sickness or old age. This sacrament aids one in their sufferings by conforming them to the cross of Christ. It gives faith and trust in the Lord as one faces the possibility of their death. If it is conductive for one’s salvation it can bring about healing. The sacrament also forgives sins, but one should still prevail themself to the sacrament of confession in so far as they are able.
Let us pray for those who are sick and facing the reality of death. May we also be aware of the importance of this sacrament and make sure to notify a member of the clergy when we find ourself or one whom we love in a situation which would warrant the reception of this sacrament.
