Jesus’ words in the gospel this weekend are comforting. He invites those who labor and are burdened to come to Him so that they may find rest. These words of our Lord are sometimes read before administering the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick. People who are sick can feel beaten down and therefore, need words of comfort, healing, and hope. Let’s take a closer look at this sacrament.
Who can be anointed? Anointing of the Sick used to be called “Extreme Unction” and was meant only for the dying, but today anyone who is sick can receive the sacrament. In fact, if one is sick and anointed and the illness gets worse, he or she can be anointed again. The anointing of the sick can also be given to those who are about to have a serious operation. Certainly, anyone in danger of death should be anointed.
Who can give the sacrament? Only bishops and priests can administer the Anointing of the Sick. When I was in the seminary, we had a grumpy priest who was a professor and who passed away. His funeral was at the seminary and the priest giving the homily told the story that when the priest was dying, two deacons showed up. The priest said, “I’m dying, and they send me deacons?” If you, a family member, or a friend is sick, call me or any priest for the anointing of the sick. We are happy to do it!
What are the benefits? The first benefit is renewal. The Catechism of the Catholic Church says that those who are anointed receive a particular grace of the Holy Spirit in their suffering. In sickness, we can easily become discouraged and doubt God’s presence and love. The Anointing of the Sick renews trust and faith in God and strengthens us against temptations of the evil one, especially the temptation to discouragement and anguish in the face of death. Jesus not only heals the soul in the anointing but may also heal the body. We are grateful to God when He brings about the physical healing of our loved ones!
Second, being anointed, the sick person is united with Jesus in His suffering. In other words, he or she participates in the saving work of our Lord. United with Jesus’ suffering, the sick person can bear fruit in his or her life and in the lives of family members and friends. In short, united with Christ’s suffering, the sick build God’s kingdom!
Third, those who are anointed help sanctify the Church, the Body of Christ. In receiving this sacrament, the saints in heaven pray for the sick that they will bear fruit in the life of the Church and in the lives of all people of good will. In and with Christ, suffering can be offered for the spiritual welfare of others.
Finally, if the person is near death, being anointed prepares his or her soul before departing from this life. Dying is a process and can be extremely painful and a major struggle. Through the Anointing of the Sick, Jesus prepares and protects the soul of one dying like a solid rampart for the final struggle before entering the Father’s house.
Summary: Anyone who is sick, anyone who is going in for major surgery, or anyone who is dying can be anointed. Only priests and bishops can anoint others. Anointing of the Sick renews trust and faith in God, unites the sick more closely to Jesus’ suffering, sanctifies the Church, and prepares those dying for the next life.
The Last Rites: Last Rites includes Confession, Anointing of the Sick, and the Eucharist or what is sometimes called Viaticum (“food for the journey”). Last Rites also includes the Apostolic Pardon or the final blessing before death, which is a plenary indulgence. Here are the words for the Apostolic Pardon:
“By the authority which the Apostolic See has given me, I grant you a full pardon and the remission of all your sins in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.”
The Apostolic Pardon
The Apostolic Pardon clears everything off the road, so to speak, so that your loved one can freely choose to run toward the arms of Jesus. The Apostolic Pardon is a supreme act of mercy and has great power. It assures family members that they have done all they can to bring their loved one to the gates of paradise.
If you have a family member, loved one, or friend who is dying, make sure you call the priest for the Last Rites! It is helpful not to wait for the last minute to make sure your loved one receives them.
Be sure to tell your family members, “Make sure you call the priest when I get sick!” What a gift that Jesus gives us in lifting our burdens through Anointing of the Sick and Last Rites!
~St. Thérèse, pray for us!