THE SACRAMENT OF THE ANOINTING OF THE SICK

 

INTRODUCTION

​The Anointing of the Sick is one of the seven sacraments of the Catholic Church and was alluded to by Mark (Mk. 6:13) and explicitly recommended for the sick by James (Jas. 5:14-15). From the Middle Ages—even through Trent—until Vatican II, this sacrament was known as "Extreme Unction." However, the Second Vatican Council referred to it more appropriately as the sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick when it stated:

​"Extreme Unction," which may also and more properly be called "Anointing of the Sick," is not a sacrament for those only who are at the point of death. Hence, as soon as any of the faithful begins to be in danger of death from sickness or old age, the fitting time for that person to receive this sacrament has certainly arrived. (The Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy—Sacrosanctum concilium n. 73)

​It is clear from the above that the intent of Vatican II was to broaden the application of this sacrament to include the elderly as recipients. Thus, in the mind of the Second Vatican Council, the administration of the Anointing of the Sick is part of the Pastoral Care of the Sick.

​It is Christ Himself who initiated the ministry of Pastoral Care of the Sick for the sick, the aged and the infirm, entrusting His legacy to the disciples and to the Church (Mk. 6:8-13). When he sent his disciples on their mission, He gave them the power to heal.

​The Church today continues to participate in Christ's compassion and healing. Jesus did not heal just to demonstrate His power nor to perform miracles to attract followers, but rather as a sign of the kingdom. The miracles of healing were proclamations in themselves which expressed the Good News that the Kingdom of God had arrived.

​Sickness is one of those human experiences that creates anxiety, alienation, loneliness, a certain amount of guilt feeling, self-absorption, anguish and despair, sometimes ending in a crisis situation. Old age can have similar symptoms. Because sickness can impose uncertainty and isolation, it is preferable if those who provide pastoral attention and care have a degree of acquaintance with the sick person. In turn, giving this care helps the pastoral agents to acquire a familiarity with the sickness itself and to be empathetic.

​Because we are so familiar with the concept of ministering to the sick, pastoral care for the sick may be taken for granted. However, catechesis needs to be reviewed and upgraded regarding this most essential ministry for those isolated by the harshness and violence of sickness. It is important to develop a catechesis which is more effective in relating to the sick, the elderly and the community, as well as caregivers. Through catechesis and homilies, the parish should communicate a better understanding of the nature of the sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick and the responsibility of the community to provide compassionate assistance.

​Throughout the universal Church, the lay faithful are often engaged in various facets of this essential and delicate ministry in collaboration with the clergy. Given the suddenness with which sickness may occur, it would be negligent to limit this ministry to the clergy, but rather deacons, catechists, specialised and trained persons, and other lay faithful should be actively involved in this task.