1 Timothy 5:22 laying of hands

[Inbetweener]

Do not be hasty in the laying on of hands, and do not share in the sins of others. Keep yourself pure.

Prior to becoming a Catholic I was a Pentecostal Christian and I see people lay hands on everyone and anything that moves, whether they repent, or want the prayer, altar call after altar call. Making laying of hands a free for all. So I am looking forwards to a ‘Catholic’ interpretation of this scripture which so many Christians don’t follow.

 

[Kathleen18]

I suggest looking up the Sacrament called “Anointing of the Sick.”
Godspeed on your faith journey!

 

[Maximilian75]

I know Charismatic catholics who pray over each other using the laing on of hands

 

[TheLittleLady]

That passage is speaking to a specific group of the ordained men, it is not referring to we laypersons:

• [5:17–25] The function of presbyters is not exactly the same as that of the episkopos, “bishop” (1 Tm 3:1); in fact, the relation of the two at the time of this letter is obscure (but cf. note on Ti 1:5–9). The Pastorals seem to reflect a transitional stage that developed in many regions of the church into the monarchical episcopate of the second and third centuries. The presbyters possess the responsibility of preaching and teaching, for which functions they are supported by the community (1 Tm 5:17–18). The realization that their position subjects them to adverse criticism is implied in the direction to Timothy (1 Tm 5:19–20) to make sure of the truth of any accusation against them before public reproof is given. He must be as objective as possible in weighing charges against presbyters (1 Tm 5:21), learning from his experience to take care in selecting them (1 Tm 5:22). Some scholars take 1 Tm 5:22 as a reference not to ordination of presbyters but to reconciliation of public sinners. The letter now sounds an informal note of personal concern in its advice to Timothy not to be so ascetic that he even avoids wine (1 Tm 5:23). Judgment concerning the fitness of candidates to serve as presbyters is easy with persons of open conduct, more difficult and prolonged with those of greater reserve (1 Tm 5:24–25).

 

[Francis]

@Inbetweener

Hi,The Bishop,or Priests lays hand during ordination or to administer the Sacraments.well lay ministers also do so ,as during a retreat ,infilling of the Holy Spirit.But they are careful and in a state of Grace,It is also very dangerous to lay hands if you have grievous sins or addictions ,eg if a possessed person lays hands on others then,they share in their sins and bondage, there sins and evil Spirits are also passed on to the other, by the laying of hands.its not advisable to participate in the laying of hands by every Tom Dick and Harry.