THE SACRAMENT OF ANOINTING OF THE SICK How was sickness viewed in the Old Testament? 1. a sign of weakness 2.

mysteriously bound up with sin What is the significane of Jesus' compassion for the sick? 1. a clear sign that with Him the Kingdom of God had come and therefore victory over sin, suffering and death 2. By his own passion and death he gave new meaning to our suffering - a means of purification and salvation What is the attitude of the Church toward the sick? 1. the charge to heal the sick a. by taking care of the sick b. accompanying them with her prayer of intercession 2. a sacrament intended for the benefit of the sick - attested by Saint James. "Is anyone among you sick? Let him call in the presbyters of the Church and let them pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord"(James 5:14-15) Who can receive the sacrament? any member of the faithful as soon as he begins to be in danger of death the celebration of this sacrament, shoud be preceded by individual confession on the part of the sick person

Who administers this sacrament? can only be administered by priests (bishops or presbyters)

How is this sacrament celebrated? an anointing with oil which may be blessed by the bishop the anointing is on the forehead and on the hands of the sick person (Roman rite) accompanied by the prayer of the priest

What are the effects of this sacrament? confers a special grace which unites the sick person more intimately to the Passion of Christ for his good and for the good of all the Church

gives comfort, peace, courage and forgiveness of sins if the sick person is not able to make a confession can even bring the restoration of physical health prepares the sick person for the journey to the Father's House

What is Viaticum? the Holy Eucharist received by those who are about to leave this earthly life and are preparing the journey to eternal life. the foxes have their den, the birds of the air have their nest, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head. When we are sick, when we need His presence, there is a place that the Lord wants to be. He wants to be in our need. He wants to touch us in our need. He wants a place in our lives.