Anointing of the Sick Flashcards
Why did Jesus work miracles in his public ministry?
To demonstrate that he was the Messiah and to show compassions for those suffering
What are concrete examples of how the church shows compassion for the suffering?
Thousands of catholic hospitals, many religious congregations and saints have dedicated their lives to helping the sick
What were the instructions that Jesus gave to his Apostles concerning those who were sick?
Before his ascensions into heaven, Jesus appeared to the 11 giving them instructions to preach the gospel and to baptize, adding that if they laid hands on the sick they would recover
What instructions did St James give concerning the sick?
Gave specific instructions to the elders of the Church on how to go about anointing the sick, saying “ Is any among you sick?” Let him call for the elders of the church and let them pray over him anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord; and the prayer of the faithful will save the sick man and the Lord will raise him up; and if he has committed any sins, he will be forgiven.
True or False: The Catholic Church is the largest charity in the world.
True
Why does God not work a miracle of physical healing each time the sacrament of anointing is celebrated?
The sacrament restores health if this is good for the salvation of the person’s soul; however, every person will die
What limitations are there on god’s grace?
None, except a person can reject or be indisposed to receive it
What was the method generally used by Jesus in his healing miracles?
Physical touch; he healed sacramentally - he was the sign of God’s healing power
What was it that transformed the sick in both body and soul?
Through an active and personal encounter with Christ the sick were offered healing grace, an encounter that “touched” them both body and soul.
Why is oil an effective sign of the sacrament?
In the ancient world, oil was used to rejuvenate tired bodies and aching muscles. It was poured onto wounds to aid the healing process
What is Oil of the Sick, and where does it come from?
Olive oil that has been consecrated by a bishop
Who are the ministers of the sacraments of the anointing of the sick?
Priests and bishops
If the sacrament is celebrated by a priest and received by only one person, then how can we say that the sacrament is an action of the church as a whole?
The whole church is implicitly praying for the sick person, and it is Christ, the Head of the Church, who heals.
Explain what is meant by “sacraments that prepare us for our heavenly homeland”.
The sacraments that prepare us for death are reconciliation, which removes sin, the anointing of the sick which helps us face death and the Eucharist which is our spiritual food for the journey.
What are the essential elements of the celebration of the sacrament?
Prayer, the laying on of the hands and anointing with the oil of Chrism
What could a priest do if he did not have oil of the sick available?
Any vegetable oil blessed by a priest can be used
Who may receive the sacrament of anointing?
Those in danger of death
When should the sacrament of anointing be received?
From illness, injury, age or those facing serious surgery
Should the sacrament of anointing be administered in the following situations: (1) coma, (2) dead ?
(1) yes
(2) no
Does the sacrament remove mortal sin is the person is unconscious? Explain. What should happen if the person later recovers?
Yes, as long as someone has the proper disposition needed for forgiveness, contrition and desire to go to confession. The anointing will remove mortal sin, but if they recover they should go to confession.
What other sacrament should normally be celebrated before the sacrament of anointing?
Confession
What is the primary purpose of the sacrament of anointing?
To offer physical and spiritual strength when facing the danger of death
List and explain some of the graces conveyed.
Unites the person to Christ’s passion, grants strength to endure suffering, forgive sins, prepares the person for death
How can human suffering be positive?
It can cause us to think about our lives and purpose and search for God reuniting us with God. We are called to unite our sufferings to Christ’s sufferings on the cross.
What can be achieved by offering up our sufferings to God?
We imitate Christ who suffered for us.
What does the Christian vocation demand from Christians regarding the sick and suffering?
We show our love for Jesus by serving those in need. When we help those in need we are serving Christ. We are called to love even the unlovable.
