Anointing of the sick: explanation of the sacrament

The sacrament of the anointing of the sick is a fundamental practice in the Catholic Church intended to provide comfort, peace and spiritual strength to those who are seriously ill or aging. This practice, deeply rooted in Christian tradition and the teachings of Jesus, has as its primary purpose to alleviate the physical and spiritual suffering of the faithful in times of extreme illness or weakness. For many, it is a source of hope and a tangible reminder of God’s presence and love in life’s most difficult moments. Together with confession, they form the sacraments of healing.

An understanding of what anointing of the sick is and its importance can be enriched by a detailed exploration of its biblical foundations, its historical development, and the specific teachings of the Catechism of the Catholic Church. This sacrament not only has significant value for those who receive it, but also highlights the importance of the Christian community in supporting and caring for its most vulnerable members.

Illness and suffering are universal realities that affect everyone at some point in life. In the face of these experiences, people often seek comfort, meaning and strength. Anointing of the sick offers a response to this search, providing a means through which the faithful can experience God’s healing grace and find redemptive purpose in their suffering. This sacrament is a manifestation of God’s love and mercy, which is made present in the midst of pain and affliction.

Moreover, the anointing of the sick has a profoundly communitarian dimension. It is not only a sacrament for the sick individual, but also a moment in which the Christian community unites in prayer and support. Through the celebration of this sacrament, the Church reaffirms its commitment to care for and accompany the sick and elderly, and to be present with them in their time of need.

1. Basis

What is the anointing of the sick and how it relates to the economy of salvation is essential to understanding this sacrament. Since ancient times, sickness and suffering have been seen as trials that highlight our human frailty and bring us closer to God. In the Bible, particularly in the Old Testament, the sick sought God for comfort and healing. For example, Psalm 6:3 implores, “Have mercy on me, O Lord, for I am without strength.” This act of turning to God in times of sickness shows how sickness can be a path to conversion and strengthening of faith. In the Catechism, we are reminded that illness can lead us to a deeper search for God and to discern what is really important in life (Catechism, 1501).

2. Christ, the Physician and Redeemer

To understand what the anointing of the sick is, it is crucial to recognize the role of Christ as the Divine Physician. Jesus, during his life on earth, showed deep compassion for the sick, healing many of them and forgiving their sins. The Gospel of Matthew relates: “Jesus went about all Galilee… healing every disease and sickness among the people” (Mt 4:23). These healings not only alleviated physical suffering, but also restored people’s relationship with God. According to the Catechism, Jesus’ healings were signs that the Kingdom of God was at hand and that he is the Savior who came to heal body and soul (Catechism, 1503-1505).

3. The institution of the sacrament

What is the anointing of the sick and how it was instituted is a vital aspect of this sacrament. The anointing of the sick was established by Christ himself and is recommended in the Scriptures. In the letter of James, we are clearly instructed, “Is anyone among you sick? Let him call the presbyters of the Church, let them pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord” (James 5:14-15). This practice was recognized as one of the seven sacraments of the Church from the earliest times of Christianity. Anointing with oil, which is mentioned in the Gospel of Mark (Mk 6:13), is a symbolic act representing God’s healing grace. The Catechism tells us that this tradition has been maintained and adapted over the centuries, but always with the same purpose of bringing comfort and healing to the sick (Catechism, 1512-1513).

4. Who may receive and administer the sacrament

To fully understand what the anointing of the sick is, it is necessary to know who can receive and administer this sacrament. The anointing of the sick is not only for those who are about to die. According to the Catechism, this sacrament is suitable for any of the faithful who are in danger of death due to serious illness or old age (Catechism, 1514). In addition, anyone in delicate health can receive this sacrament, even if the illness is not necessarily terminal. Only priests (bishops and priests) can administer the anointing of the sick. The Catechism stresses the importance of pastors instructing the faithful about the benefits of this sacrament and encouraging the sick to call them to receive it. It is essential that both the sick and their families prepare themselves adequately for this sacrament, with the help of the ecclesial community (Catechism, 1516).

5. Effects and graces of the sacrament

What is the anointing of the sick and what are its effects is perhaps the most crucial part of understanding this sacrament. The anointing of the sick confers a special grace of the Holy Spirit that provides comfort, peace and strength to face the difficulties of sickness or old age (Catechism, 1520). This grace helps the sick to bear their sufferings with greater serenity and to resist the temptations of discouragement and despair. Moreover, this sacrament unites the sick to the passion of Christ, giving a redemptive meaning to their suffering. As the Catechism points out, “by the grace of this sacrament, the sick person receives the strength and the gift of being united more intimately to the Passion of Christ” (Catechism, 1521). Anointing of the sick can also lead to the forgiveness of sins if the sick person has not been able to go to confession and, in some cases, can contribute to the recovery of physical health if it is beneficial to the spiritual salvation of the sick person (Catechism, 1520).

6. The celebration of the sacrament

What is the anointing of the sick and how it is celebrated is also fundamental for a complete understanding. This sacrament is celebrated liturgically and communally, which means that it can take place in different contexts: in the family, in the hospital, or in the church, and it can be for a single sick person or for a group of them. It is highly recommended that the anointing of the sick be celebrated within the Eucharist, which is the memorial of the Lord’s Passover. The Eucharist, in this context, reinforces the sense of Christ’s presence with the sick. According to the Catechism, if circumstances permit, the celebration of the sacrament may be preceded by the sacrament of Penance and followed by the sacrament of the Eucharist (Catechism, 1517).

7. Liturgical elements

What is the anointing of the sick and what liturgical elements compose it is important for those who participate in its celebration. The celebration includes the laying on of hands by the presbyters, the Church’s prayer of faith, and the anointing with blessed oil. The Catechism explains that these liturgical actions indicate the grace that the sacrament confers on the sick (Catechism, 1519). The laying on of hands is a sign of the invocation of the Holy Spirit and God’s blessing. Anointing with oil symbolizes healing and strengthening, and is a practice that has its roots in the biblical tradition.

8. The grace of the Holy Spirit

To fully understand what the anointing of the sick is, it is crucial to understand the particular grace of the Holy Spirit that is received. This grace provides comfort, peace and encouragement to face the difficulties of serious illness or old age. According to the Catechism, this grace is a gift of the Holy Spirit that renews trust and faith in God, and strengthens against the temptations of the evil one, especially the temptation to discouragement and anguish in the face of death (Catechism, 1520). This divine assistance seeks not only the healing of the soul, but also of the body, if it is God’s will. Moreover, if the sick person has committed sins, they will be forgiven through this sacrament (Catechism, 1520).

9. Union to the Passion of Christ

What is the anointing of the sick and how it unites us to the Passion of Christ is a central aspect of this sacrament. The grace of the sacrament allows the sick person to be more intimately united to the Passion of Christ. This means that the suffering of the sick is not in vain, but has a redemptive value. The Catechism points out that “in a certain way it is consecrated to bear fruit by its configuration to the redemptive Passion of the Savior” (Catechism, 1521). This union with Christ transforms suffering into a participation in the saving work of Jesus, giving new meaning and purpose to pain and sickness.

10. Ecclesial grace

To understand what the anointing of the sick is, we must also consider its communitarian or ecclesial dimension. This sacrament not only benefits the individual who receives it, but also has an impact on the whole Church. According to the Catechism, the sick who receive this sacrament, “by freely uniting themselves to the passion and death of Christ, contribute to the good of the People of God” (Catechism, 1522). When the Church celebrates this sacrament, she intercedes for the good of the sick person, and the sick person, in turn, contributes to the sanctification of the Church and the good of all people. This ecclesial dimension highlights the deep connection between all members of the Church and the importance of praying for one another.

11. Preparation for the final transit

What is the anointing of the sick and how it prepares the faithful for the final passage is an essential part of its purpose. This sacrament prepares the sick for the passage to eternal life. The Catechism reminds us that “the anointing of the sick completes our configurations to the death and resurrection of Christ, just as it began in Baptism” (Catechism, 1523). If the sick person is about to leave this life, the anointing of the sick is accompanied by the Eucharist as viaticum. Viaticum is the Christian’s last communion, and is particularly significant because Jesus makes himself present in a special way to accompany the sick person on his or her final journey to eternal life.

12. Community prayer

What is the anointing of the sick and the role of the community’s prayer is something that should not be overlooked. The celebration of this sacrament includes the prayer of the whole Church, not just the priest. This collective prayer expresses the loving solicitude of the Christian community for its sick members. The Letter of James says: “The prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up” (James 5:15). This prayer of faith is a manifestation of trust in God’s healing power and in his will to save those who suffer.

13. Relationship with other sacraments

To understand what the anointing of the sick is, it is helpful to see how it relates to other sacraments. The anointing of the sick is closely linked to the sacrament of Penance and the sacrament of the Eucharist. According to the Catechism, when circumstances permit, it is most appropriate that the celebration of the anointing of the sick be preceded by confession and followed by Eucharistic communion (Catechism, 1517). These sacraments together prepare the sick person in an integral way, offering forgiveness of sins, spiritual strengthening and the presence of Christ in the Eucharist.

What is the anointing of the sick and the importance of the oil is also a significant aspect. The oil used in this sacrament is blessed by the bishop, and on some occasions, by the priest celebrating the sacrament himself if necessary. This oil, called the oil of the sick, is a visible sign of the invisible grace conferred by the sacrament. Anointing with this oil symbolizes the healing and consolation that God offers through the sacrament. The Catechism explains that this oil is a sign of the Holy Spirit who strengthens and heals us (Catechism, 1519).

14. The oil of the sick

What is the anointing of the sick and the importance of the oil is also a significant aspect. The oil used in this sacrament is blessed by the bishop, and on some occasions, by the priest celebrating the sacrament himself if necessary. This oil, called the oil of the sick, is a visible sign of the invisible grace conferred by the sacrament. Anointing with this oil symbolizes the healing and consolation that God offers through the sacrament. The Catechism explains that this oil is a sign of the Holy Spirit who strengthens and heals us (Catechism, 1519).

15. History and evolution of the sacrament

What is the anointing of the sick and its history is important to understand its evolution and current practice. From the earliest centuries, the Church has practiced the anointing of the sick, following the command of Jesus and the teachings of the apostles. Throughout history, this sacrament has evolved in its form and practice, but its essence has remained. In the Middle Ages, for example, this sacrament was known as “extreme unction” and was reserved almost exclusively for the dying. However, the Second Vatican Council renewed the practice of the sacrament, emphasizing that it is not only for those on the threshold of death, but for all the seriously ill or elderly faithful, thus seeking to restore its original and wider use.

16. Pastoral importance

To understand what anointing of the sick is, we must also consider its pastoral importance. Priests and pastoral ministers have a vital role in ensuring that the sick and elderly receive this sacrament at the appropriate time. This involves visiting the sick, offering them spiritual and spiritual support, and ensuring that they are well prepared to receive the sacrament. The Catechism stresses that the pastoral care of the sick is an essential task of the Church and that every Christian community should care with special solicitude for its sick members (Catechism, 1516).

17. The spiritual preparation of the sick person

What is the anointing of the sick and the spiritual preparation of the sick person are aspects that go hand in hand. Before receiving the sacrament, it is important that the sick person is spiritually prepared, which may include confession of sins and prayer. This preparation helps the sick person to receive the sacrament with an open heart and willing to accept God’s grace. In addition, spiritual preparation strengthens the faith of the sick person and helps him to face his illness with hope and trust in God’s mercy.

18. The role of the family and the community

To understand what the anointing of the sick is, it is also necessary to recognize the role of the family and the community in this sacrament. The family of the sick person and the Christian community have a responsibility to support the sick person not only physically, but also spiritually. This includes praying for the sick person, accompanying him or her during the celebration of the sacrament and offering comfort and encouragement. The Catechism emphasizes that the love and support of the family and community are an extension of Christ’s love for the sick person (Catechism, 1516).

19. The mystery of suffering

What is the anointing of the sick and the mystery of suffering is something we all need to ponder. Sickness and suffering are part of the mystery of human life, and often, we cannot fully understand their purpose. However, through the sacrament of the anointing of the sick, the Church offers a faith response to human suffering. This sacrament reminds us that Christ suffered for us and that our suffering can be united with his for a greater purpose. The Catechism tells us that “suffering, united to the Passion of Christ, can have a redemptive value” (Catechism, 1521).

20. Hope in the resurrection

Finally, to understand what the anointing of the sick is, we must consider the hope in the resurrection that this sacrament offers us. Through the anointing of the sick, the sick and elderly faithful receive the strength to face their illness with the hope of eternal life. The sacrament reminds us that, although our bodies may suffer and decay, our souls are destined for eternal life with God. The Catechism assures us that “the grace of this sacrament renews confidence and faith in God and strengthens against the temptations of the evil one, especially against the temptation of discouragement and anguish in the face of death” (Catechism, 1520).

Biblical and Saints Quotes

1. Bible: “Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the priests of the church, and let them pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the sick person, and the Lord will raise him up, and if he has committed sins, they will be forgiven him” (James 5:14-15).

2. St. John Paul II: “Suffering, more than anything else, opens the way to the grace that transforms the human soul” (Salvifici Doloris, 27).
3. St. Teresa of Calcutta: “The suffering of the sick and the poor is a prayer that lifts us up to God.”

The anointing of the sick strengthens the bond between the individual and the ecclesial community. The celebration of this sacrament is not an isolated act, but involves the entire community in an expression of solidarity and support. By uniting in prayer for the sick, the Christian community reaffirms its commitment to accompany and care for its most vulnerable members. This sense of belonging and community is fundamental to Christian life and is a source of comfort and hope for the sick and their families.

As we reflect on what the anointing of the sick is, we are called to deepen our faith and to renew our commitment to care for and accompany the sick and suffering in our communities. The anointing of the sick is not only a sacramental rite, but a living expression of God’s love and mercy for all of us.