Live Jesus

In this fourth and final reflection on the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick, a number of frequently asked questions regarding this sacrament will be addressed.  

Who ought to receive this sacrament?   Actually the answer to this question is given in the new title of this sacrament itself. It is the sacrament of the sick .   OK.   But how seriously ill must one be to receive it? The Catechism of the Catholic Church (# 1528) provides us with a useful guideline here.   As soon as a person becomes seriously ill, aged or suffers from a serious chronic illness, that person may receive the sacrament.  

How often can the sacrament be received?   Once again the Catechism of the Catholic Church (# 1529) provides us with a useful guideline.   When a serious illness or chronic condition worsens, the sacrament may again be received.  

How is what used to be called “Extreme Unction” related to this sacrament?   As noted in an earlier reflection, over the course of many centuries the focus of the healing ministry of Jesus and the practice of the early church changed from a ministry to the sick and dying to a sacrament reserved exclusively for those near death, in extremis .   It was under those circumstances that the sacrament became popularly known as Extreme Unction.   Obviously there are times when the sacrament is administered to those who are near death.   Jesus desires to be close to his people under every circumstance including that of dying.   When a dying person receives Holy Communion, it is called viaticum , “the seed of eternal life and the power of resurrection” (CCC # 1392).

There are times when a serious ill loved one chooses NOT to receive this sacrament.   What is to be done then?   Unfortunately, the still popular name for this sacrament, Extreme Unction, often causes those who are seriously ill, aged or suffering from a chronic illness to mistakenly believe that that they must be at death’s door to receive it. At times, the sick person may be fearful of receiving this beautiful sacrament because its former name has convinced them that death must surely soon follow.   That is moment for the family to provide their loved one with a gentle and loving catechesis on the sacrament as the sacramental anointing of the Sick .

What is to be done if a seriously ill person is no longer conscious?   If loved ones are persuaded that if the sick person were conscious and aware of the spiritual benefits of the sacrament that they would likely desire to receive it, then it is most appropriate for them to do so.   But try not to wait until the last possible moment.   A principal reason for the Church’s change in the name and understanding of this sacrament is to encourage Catholics to receive it earlier in their illnesses when their minds and spirits are more alert.

Why does the Church permit a communal celebration of this sacrament?   Each of the seven sacraments is an encounter with Jesus and Jesus can never separate from his Body the Church. A communal celebration underscores that profound and beautiful truth.

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