Anointing of the Sick

The sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick has been on my mind lately. First, I anointed an elderly parishioner a couple of weeks ago who seemed to be dying. He was unresponsive in the ICU unit with his family by his side. They had asked me to visit but only allowed me a couple of minutes to bless and anoint him because he was fading so fast. I was in and out quickly after administering the Sacrament of the Sick, assuming that he was going Home to the Lord momentarily. I heard later that he started rallying after I left, and was sitting up and communicating with his family again. He is now home and doing well! Sometimes, Anointing of the Sick brings physical healing even though it is primarily for spiritual healing and strength.

Second, I anointed another older parishioner this morning in the church who is having major surgery this week. He was worried about it because he mistakenly thought it was still the “Last Rites” only. This sacrament used to be called that but the Church changed its name to Anointing of the Sick because it’s not only for those who are dying. When a fellow parishioner clarified to him before this morning that the sacrament helps give you strength, peace, and hope in the midst of suffering or surgery, he was relieved. After the anointing, he seemed to be filled with peace and comfort.

Then, tonight, I taught about Anointing to our RCIA group. I told them some stories including the ones above. Also, I included the Scriptural basis for the sacrament: Jesus sent them (the Apostles) “to proclaim repentance, and they cast out many devils, and anointed many sick people with oil and cured them” (Mark 6:12-13). Also, from James 5: “any one of you who is ill should send for the elders (priests) of the church, and they must anoint the sick person with oil in the name of the Lord and pray over him” (v. 14-16).

Please send for me if you know someone who is gravely or chronically ill or approaching major surgery.