The Seven Sacraments Series: Anointing of the Sick

In the seventh installment of the Seven Sacraments Series, I'd like to discuss the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick.

This Sacrament, like all Sacraments, has roots in Scripture.  According to the Catholic Answers Forum, the Sacrament of Anointing:

...was instituted by Jesus Christ during his earthly ministry. The Catechism explains, 'This sacred anointing of the sick was instituted by Christ our Lord as a true and proper sacrament of the New Testament. It is alluded to indeed by Mark, but is recommended to the faithful and promulgated by James the apostle and brother of the Lord' (CCC 1511; Mark 6:13; Jas. 5:14-15).

Originally, the Anointing of the Sick was a sacrament given only to those who were dying.  The purpose of this rite has changed, though.

Scott Richert explains:

Traditionally referred to as Extreme Unction or Last Rites, the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick was previously most commonly administered to the dying, for the remission of sins and the provision of spiritual strength and health.  In modern times, however, its use has been expanded to all who are gravely ill or are about to undergo a serious operation, and the Church stresses a secondary effect of the sacrament: to help a person recover his health.  Like Confession and Holy Communion, to which it is closely linked, the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick can be repeated as often as is necessary.

While the original Rite placed emphasis on redemption before death, the new Rite is different, and puts the emphasis on life rather than death.  That is to say:

The Roman Rite Anointing of the Sick, as revised in 1972, puts greater stress than in the immediately preceding centuries on the sacrament's aspect of healing, and points to the place sickness holds in the normal life of Christians and its part in the redemptive work of the Church.

Anyone may receive this Sacrament.  Today, many parishes offer Anointing services.  The faithful may come to these services and receive Anointing for any of their ills, in preparation for a hospital stay, tests, or a procedure.

As to the effects of the Sacrament, Richert explains:

Received in faith and in a state of grace, the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick provides the recipient with a number of graces, including the fortitude to resist temptation in the face of death, when he is weakest; a union with the passion of Christ, which makes his suffering holy; and the grace to prepare for death, so that he may meet God in hope rather than in fear.  If the recipient was not able to receive the Sacrament of Confession, Anointing also provides forgiveness of sins.  And, if it will aid in the salvation of his soul, Anointing may restore the recipient's health.

Another explanation of the effects of the Sacrament  says:

As the sacrament of Marriage gives grace for the married state, the sacrament of Anointing of the Sick gives grace for the state into which people enter through sickness. Through the sacrament is given a gift of the Holy Spirit that renews confidence and faith in God and strengthens against temptations to discouragement, despair and anguish at the thought of death and the struggle of death; it prevents from losing Christian hope in God's justice, truth and salvation.

The Sacrament of Anointing provides peace of mind for those who are suffering.  Through this Rite, we are given hope in the power of the Lord's healing power, which is as important as anything else we do to heal.