We must remember that a sacrament is an outward sign instituted by Christ which bestows grace. Grace is a gift which is given to us by God and therefore is not something that we can give to ourself or to one another. The transferral of grace is important because through the sacraments we are receiving a gift that only God can give. There are seven sacraments and one of them is known to us as Anointing of the Sick. This sacrament was alluded to when we were told in our Gospel, “and they anointed with oil many who were sick and cured them.”
The sacrament is also alluded to by the apostle James: “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.”
The USCCB puts this sacrament into further context by stating: “When the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick is given, the hoped-for effect is that, if it be God’s will, the person be physically healed of illness. But even if there is no physical healing, the primary effect of the Sacrament is a spiritual healing by which the sick person receives the Holy Spirit’s gift of peace and courage to deal with the difficulties that accompany serious illness or the frailty of old age.”
Those who can receive this sacrament must be in danger of death due to sickness or old age. Some falsely think that this sacrament can only be received once, that this sacrament is given only right before someone breathes their final breath, or once one has actually died. The sacraments only aid the living and therefore those who have died are unable to receive them. I implore you to contact the Church whenever serious illness comes about, that may result in the possibility of death, even if this possibility may be statistically improbable.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church states of those who are ill: “Illness can lead to anguish, self-absorption, sometimes even despair and revolt against God. It can also make a person more mature, helping him discern in his life what is not essential so that he can turn towards that which is. Very often illness provokes a search for God and a return to him.”
Through Anointing of the Sick one invites God’s grace into their life at one of life’s most difficult moments. Serious illness and death are part of the human condition, but we do not have to undergo these realities alone. Let us do so with the assistance of God’s grace. The Church offers those who are in danger of death to be consoled in the Sacraments of Confession, through Anointing of the Sick, and through the Most Holy Eucharist.
Let us always come to trust in the Lord who protects us and leads us to everlasting life.
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