International Catholic University
I. Biblical Background
A. Healing ministry of Jesus and apostles.
1. Jesus' use of signs to heal: spittle, mud CCC 1504
2. command to heal Mt 10:8, Mk 16:17-18
3. Mk 6: 13 the 12 use anointing with oil. Trent says this alludes to the sacrament (CF 1636)
B. Jas 5:14-15 classic text CCC 1510; Trent sees form, matter, and res all taught here (CF 1636)
II. History of this Rite (CCC 1512)
A. In Medieval period came to be increasingly connected to dying: extreme unction
B. recognized as one of the seven sacraments by Florence (15th cent) and Trent. Instituted by Christ (CF 1641)
C. post Vat II reform: balance between physical & spiritual healing & bring out more of the communal dimension
III. Matter, Form, valid minister
A. Matter-oil of the sick (not chrism). CF 1668 "properly blessed olive oil or another blessed plant oil." Paul VI, 1972 (cf. CIC 847).
B. Form-prayer of the presbyter
C. Valid minister-bishop or priest only
IV. Theological Context
A. Christ's "preferential love for the sick" CCC 1503
B. Catholic anthropology & soteriology: "He has come to heal the whole man, soul & body." CCC 1503 "In the sacrament, Christ continues to 'touch' us in order to heal us.'" CCC 1504.
C. awareness of the special crisis and opportunity brought with illness
D. Christ has given a new meaning to suffering CCC 1505; JP II, Salvifici Doloris
E. charism of healing CCC 1508; 1 Cor 12:9, 28, 30; Hippolytus AT
F. faith: "in the anointing of the sick, which includes the prayer of faith, faith itself is manifested. Above all this faith must be made actual both in the minister of the sacrament and, even more importantly, in the recipient. The sick person will be saved by personal faith and the faith of the Church." General Instruction on Pastoral Care of the Sick, 7.
V. Form of post-Vatican II Rite outside of Mass (Paul VI 1972)
A. Intro Rites: greeting, asperges, penitential rite
B. Liturgy of the word: arouses faith
C. Liturgy of anointing
1. prayer of faith (litany): not just priest but all present GI 105
2. Laying on of hands by priest (epiklesis)
3. prayer over oil (not chrism)
4. anointing with oil on head & hands (more in Eastern rites)
a. healing, strengthening, presence of the HS GI 107
b. generous use of oil so that it will be seen and felt by the sick person as a sign of the Spirit's presence
c. not desirable to wipe off oil afterward
5. form: "Through this holy anointing may the Lord in his love and mercy help you with the grace of the Holy Spirit. May the Lord who frees you from sin save you and raise you up."
6. prayer after anointing
7. Lord's Prayer
D. Communion (optional)
VI. "Res": The Effects or Fruit of Sacrament (CCC 1520-23; CF 1637)
A. gift of spiritual strengthening in the HS (against anxiety, discouragement, temptation). Conveys peace, fortitude, confidence
B. healing of body if it be God's will (when good for the salvation of soul CF 1637)
C. forgiveness of sin: the completion of penance, "remnants of sin" CF 1637
D. Union with the passion of Christ: suffering acquires new meaning: consecrated.
E. Ecclesial grace CCC 1522. Church helps sick; sick helps Church by offering of suffering, example of patience.
F. Preparation for final journey: completes our conformity to the death & resurrection of Christ just like baptism began it.
VII. Pastoral Use of the Sacrament
A. catechesis: don't wait till brink of death! GI 13, SC 73
B. "great care and concern should be taken to see that those of the faithful whose health is seriously impaired by sickness or old age receive this sacrament." GI 8.
C. before major surgery GI 10; elderly who have weakened without illness; someone suffering from mental illness (e.g., clinical depression) CCC 1515
D. can be conveyed on someone who has lost consciousness if . . .
E. sick children who have attained age of reason
F. not to be conveyed on someone who has died-the person has passed beyond the sacramental dispensation.
G. fitting to celebrate within Eucharist or prior to viaticum CCC 1517
H. Communal celebration to be preferred insofar as it is possible CF 1668c.
I. fitting for penance to be prior
J. final triad: penance, anointing, viaticum parallel to initial triad of baptism, confirmation, Eucharist. CCC 1525, SC 16, 65)
K. Viaticum is really the last sacrament. Primary purpose for eucharistic reservation.
L. Options when no priest is available (deacon or lay minister)
1. Sacramental blessings of the sick to be found in the Book of Blessings
2. Informal prayer
3. Communion