Anointing of the Sick

Definition

Anointing of the Sick is a sacramental rite in Christianity, specifically in Catholicism, where a priest anoints a seriously ill or elderly person with oil, offering healing and spiritual strength. This sacrament emphasizes God's compassion and the community's support for those suffering, highlighting its significance in liturgical practices, historical developments during the Counter-Reformation, and varying beliefs across different Christian denominations.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Anointing of the Sick is one of the seven sacraments in the Catholic Church, traditionally offered to those facing serious illness or advanced age.
2. During the Vatican II Council, the sacrament was renamed from Extreme Unction to Anointing of the Sick to reflect its purpose of healing and not just preparation for death.
3. The ritual involves the laying on of hands and anointing with oil, usually olive oil blessed by a bishop, symbolizing the Holy Spirit's presence.
4. Anointing of the Sick is often celebrated during Mass, but can also be performed outside of liturgical settings when needed.
5. Different Christian denominations have their own interpretations and practices surrounding Anointing of the Sick, influencing how it is viewed and administered.

Review Questions

• How does Anointing of the Sick reflect the liturgical and sacramental traditions in Christianity?
  • Anointing of the Sick showcases the importance of sacraments within Christianity, acting as a tangible sign of God's grace. This rite connects believers to their faith community during times of illness, reinforcing both liturgical practices and the belief in divine healing. Its integration into regular worship emphasizes how sacraments are central to Christian life, providing comfort and hope amid suffering.
• Discuss how the Anointing of the Sick was influenced by the Catholic Counter-Reformation and its significance during that period.
  • During the Catholic Counter-Reformation, there was a renewed focus on pastoral care and sacramental practices as a response to Protestant reformers. The Anointing of the Sick was emphasized as a vital sacrament that conveyed God's grace and healing power. The Council of Trent reaffirmed its theological significance, ensuring that it was properly understood and valued in Catholic teaching as a means of spiritual support for individuals facing severe health challenges.
• Evaluate how different Christian denominations interpret and practice Anointing of the Sick and what this reveals about their theological perspectives.
  • Different denominations approach Anointing of the Sick with varying levels of emphasis and understanding. For instance, while Catholicism views it as a sacrament essential for spiritual healing and community support, some Protestant groups may see it more as a ritual that expresses prayer for healing rather than a sacramental act. This diversity reflects broader theological perspectives on grace, healing, and the role of sacraments within each tradition, highlighting how communal beliefs influence personal rituals surrounding illness.

Related terms

Sacrament: A sacred rite recognized as of particular importance and significance in Christianity, serving as a means of grace.

Extreme Unction: An earlier term for the Anointing of the Sick, often associated with preparing a person for death, but now understood to include healing for the living.

Viaticum: The Eucharist administered to a person who is near death, providing spiritual nourishment for the journey to eternal life.