The Anointing of the Sick Rite is a sacrament of healing and comfort, administered by priests to those in need, using oil and prayer, as stated in the liturgical books, bringing relief and salvation to the faithful, through the Church’s ministry and care always.
Definition and Purpose
The Anointing of the Sick is a sacrament that defines and purposes to bring healing and comfort to those who are suffering from illness or injury. This sacrament is administered by priests who use oil and prayer to invoke God’s healing power and comfort. The purpose of the Anointing of the Sick is to relieve and save those who are dangerously ill, and to forgive sins committed. It is a sacrament that is deeply rooted in the Church’s tradition and is mentioned in the writings of James, where it is stated that the prayer of faith will save the sick person and the Lord will raise them up.
The definition of the Anointing of the Sick is closely tied to its purpose, which is to provide spiritual and physical healing to those in need. This sacrament is not only a source of comfort and solace, but also a means of reconciling the individual with God and the Church. Through the Anointing of the Sick, the Church commends the faithful who are dangerously ill to the suffering and glorified Lord, relieving and saving them. The sacrament is a powerful expression of the Church’s ministry and care for those who are suffering, and its purpose is to bring healing, comfort, and salvation to those in need.
Scriptural Basis
Found in James, the scriptural basis provides a foundation for the sacrament, guiding the Church’s understanding and implementation of the Anointing of the Sick rite, using oil and prayer to invoke healing and comfort always and everywhere in the ministry.
James 5:14-15
The biblical passage of James 5:14-15 serves as a fundamental reference for the Anointing of the Sick rite, outlining the procedure for the sacrament and its intended effects. According to this passage, the prayer of faith will save the sick person, and the Lord will raise them up, demonstrating the spiritual healing that can occur through this sacrament. The passage also mentions the forgiveness of sins, emphasizing the spiritual dimension of the Anointing of the Sick. The Church has interpreted this passage as a directive to provide spiritual care and comfort to those who are suffering from illness or injury. By invoking the name of the Lord and using oil in the anointing, the Church seeks to bring about physical and spiritual healing, as well as forgiveness of sins. The passage of James 5:14-15 has been a guiding principle for the development of the Anointing of the Sick rite, shaping the Church’s understanding of the sacrament and its role in providing care and comfort to those in need. The sacrament is administered by priests, who pray over the sick person and anoint them with oil, seeking to bring about healing and comfort through the power of faith and prayer.
Receiving the Anointing of the Sick
The sacrament is received by those with chronic or serious illnesses, or preparing for major surgery, through a priest’s administration of oil and prayer, bringing comfort and healing to the faithful, in the Church’s ministry and care always needed.
Eligibility and Celebration
The Anointing of the Sick is a sacrament that can be received by anyone who has a chronic, serious illness, or is preparing for a major surgery, or is in danger of death. This sacrament is administered by a priest, who prays over the person and anoints them with oil, bringing comfort and healing to the faithful. The celebration of this sacrament is an important part of the Church’s ministry to those who are sick or dying. It is a way for the Church to show its care and concern for those who are suffering, and to provide them with spiritual support and comfort. The sacrament can be celebrated in a variety of settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, and private homes. It is typically celebrated with the person who is sick, as well as their family and friends, who gather to pray and support the person who is receiving the sacrament. The priest will typically pray over the person, and anoint them with oil, using the words prescribed in the liturgical books. The celebration of the Anointing of the Sick is a powerful way for the Church to bring comfort and healing to those who are suffering, and to remind them of God’s love and care for them. The sacrament is a reminder that God is always with us, even in our suffering, and that He is always willing to bring us comfort and healing.
Canon Law and the Anointing of the Sick
Canon 998 governs the Anointing of the Sick, relieving and saving the faithful, using oil and prescribed words, as stated in liturgical books, following Church laws and regulations always carefully.
Canon 998
Canon 998 is a part of the Church’s canon law that specifically deals with the Anointing of the Sick, providing guidance on the administration of this sacrament. According to this canon, the Anointing of the Sick is conferred by anointing the sick person with oil and pronouncing the words prescribed in the liturgical books. The canon emphasizes the importance of using the prescribed words and oil in the administration of the sacrament, ensuring that the sacrament is valid and effective. The Anointing of the Sick is a sacrament that commends the faithful who are dangerously ill to the suffering and glorified Lord, relieving and saving them. The canon also emphasizes the role of the priest in administering the sacrament, highlighting the importance of their ministry in bringing comfort and healing to the sick. By following the guidelines outlined in Canon 998, the Church ensures that the Anointing of the Sick is administered in a way that is consistent with its teachings and traditions, providing a meaningful and effective sacrament for those in need. The canon is an important part of the Church’s canon law, providing a framework for the administration of the Anointing of the Sick.