Anointing of the Sick

Instituted by Christ

The Catechism teaches that this anointing was instituted by Christ as a true sacrament, alluded to by Mark and promulgated by James (CCC 1511; Mark 6:13; James 5:14-15). The apostles anointed many sick with oil and healed them (Mark 6:13), and James tells the sick to call the presbyters to pray over them and anoint them, so that the prayer of faith will save them, the Lord will raise them up, and their sins will be forgiven (James 5:14-15). Its graces flow from Christ, who took our infirmities and bore our diseases (Matthew 8:17), and strengthen against anxiety, discouragement and temptation (CCC 1520).

Origen (about 250) cites James in speaking of a penitent seeking medicine from the priest, and Serapion (350) prays that the oil may cast out disease and bring remission of sins.

Its effects

The Catechism lists them: union with Christ's Passion for one's own good and the Church's; strength, peace and courage to endure illness or old age; forgiveness of sins if one could not receive penance; restoration of health if it serves salvation; and preparation for eternal life (CCC 1532). It is not only for those at the point of death: once someone begins to be in danger of death from sickness or old age, the time to receive it has come (CCC 1514).

Does God always heal?

Some say lack of healing means lack of faith; others that healing ended with the apostles. Both are wrong. Paul preached to the Galatians while ill (Galatians 4:13-14), left Trophimus sick at Miletus (2 Timothy 4:20), and told Timothy to take a little wine for his frequent illnesses (1 Timothy 5:23), practical medical advice, not a call to more faith. Nor was healing always instant: Jesus laid hands twice on the blind man at Bethsaida (Mark 8:22-26). The command of James 5:14-15 is never revoked, so it stands today. But healing is subject to God's will (James 4:14-15).

Why God permits suffering

Suffering can discipline us, as a father disciplines his sons, yielding the fruit of righteousness (Hebrews 12:7, 11). Paul asked three times to be freed of a thorn in the flesh and was told that God's grace is sufficient and his power made perfect in weakness (2 Corinthians 12:7-9). God also uses suffering to help others: Paul first preached to the Galatians because of an illness (Galatians 4:13), giving us a book of Scripture. We can offer our sufferings for our sanctification and for the departed.

The last rites

The last rites include penance, confirmation if lacking, anointing, and Viaticum, the last Communion "for the journey," in a continuous rite or an emergency rite with the Apostolic Pardon (Fr. Peter Stravinskas, Catholic Encyclopedia). The most important is Viaticum. The Council of Nicaea (325) decreed that no one at the point of death should be deprived of it (canon 13). Caesar of Arles urged anyone who falls ill to receive Christ's body and blood and to ask the presbyters for blessed oil, as James teaches, for health of body and forgiveness of sins.