MEETING JESUS IN THE SACRAMENTSCHAPTER 7THE SACRAMENT OF THE ANOINTING OF THE SICK

Is Anyone Among You Suffering

Why me?Why do I suffer?Why is there illness and suffering in the world?Why does God permit such pain?

Suffering and the Old TestamentBefore God people lamented their illness and viewed the Lord as the ultimate Master of life and death.

Early Israelites believed further that all suffering directly resulted as punishment for sin.

Later, people understood that the faithful needed to endure sufferings patiently.

Christ the PhysicianJesus treated the persons physical illness as well as the persons soul by offering forgiveness for his or her sins.

Jesus rejected the idea that suffering is a punishment for sin.

Jesus Explains SufferingSickness and death are not Gods way of punishing us.God loves the sick and disabled just as much as he loves healthy people.Gods love is stronger than sickness, pain, suffering, and death.God does not abandon us when we are sick or suffering.The sick should not be treated as outcasts; instead, they have an important role to play in the community.

The Healing Ministry of JesusPhysical illness and disability, through physical cures.Domination by Satan or demons or psychological illness, through exorcisms.Grief for a loved one, through resuscitations.

The Church Heals the SickJesus disciples healed the sick while preaching the Good News.

The Church took up the practice of having presbyters lay hands and anoint with oil, in imitation of Jesus and the Apostles.

Understanding the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick

Jesus gave the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick to aid those who are seriously ill and help them use their illnesses in service of Christ.

A Brief History of the Sacrament

Changes after Vatican IIIn reforming the sacrament, the Council embraced both of the traditional meanings of the sacrament:

It is a sacrament of the sick with an emphasis on healing and faith in Gods presence in suffering.It is a sacrament of the dying to prepare people for death.

Celebrating the Sacrament of the Anointing of the SickA priest is the minister of the sacrament

Those who are dangerously ill due to sickness or old age should be given special attention and receive the sacrament.

Rite of AnointingIntroductory RitesLiturgy of the WordLitany or Prayer of the FaithfulLaying on of HandsBlessing of OilPrayer of ThanksgivingAnointing with OilPrayer after the Anointing

ViaticumFood for the Journey

Viaticum is a separate liturgical rite for those who are dyingit is the persons last reception of the Eucharist

Penance, Anointing, and Viaticum are the last rites for Catholics on their way to God

The Grace of the Anointing of the SickThe sacrament is a particular gift of the Holy Spirit.The sacrament provides a grace to unite with the Passion of Christ.The sacrament is a grace for the Churchthe Church participates in the ministry of Christ.The sacrament is a preparation for the final journey (sacramentum exeuntium).

How We Live the Effects of the SacramentFrom Self-Centeredness to God-Centeredness

This sacrament helps us to see sickness and suffering as opportunities for growth in holiness.From Self-Centeredness to Other-Centeredness

This sacrament helps us to sacrifice ourselves for others because we have received Gods love.

Blessed Mother Teresa of CalcuttaFounder of the Missionaries of Charity

The poor you may have right in your own family. Find them. Love them. Speak tenderly to them. Let there be kindness in your face, in your eyes, in your smile, in the warmth of your greeting. Always have a cheerful smile. Dont only give your care, but give your heart as well.