Receiving the anointing of the sick- is this okay? Help

[Bix]

Has anyone received the anointing of the sick? If so, would you please share your experiences? Please? Did it help? Was it immediate? Did you feel anything?

Also, is it okay if you had to wash your hands soon after receiving it? They anoint your head and palms. I’m assuming it’s a given to let it wear off rather than washing, but what if you must / or did wash hands/palms?

 

[Cat_Herder]

Has anyone received the anointing of the sick? If so, would you please share your experiences? Please? Did it help? Was it immediate? Did you feel anything?

Also, is it okay if you had to wash your hands soon after receiving it? They anoint your head and palms. I’m assuming it’s a given to let it wear off rather than washing, but what if you must / or did wash hands/palms?

It’s like Confirmation. You get the grace immediately but it takes time and work on your part for the grace to produce fruit. Then again, I have also seen someone who immediately came out of a seizure after being anointed. And I can say without reservation that the Sacrament made a huge difference for me.

The oil absorbs quickly. Don’t get scrupulous about washing it off accidentally.

 

[po18guy]

I was anointed when I was diagnosed with an aggressive non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma at stage IV. At that point, I had about two months to live if treatment was not effective. To this day, there is still no standard medical treatment for the rare unspecified sub-type that I had (Peripheral T-Cell Lymphoma - NOS) An absolutely providential set of circumstances then came to pass, which have ultimately resulted in my healing and being cancer-free for three years now. I felt the presence of the Holy Spirit at my anointing, but that is not an indicator of the effectiveness of the Sacrament. I did not wash my hands or forehead, but rather wore it.

 

[Maria1993]

I received it once, not really knowing what it was, but I was desperate, and I’m young and very anxious and nervous. I went through a horrible spiritual attack that lasted about 2 months, I was physically attacked in my sleep, the craziest disgusting thoughts, scruples, panic and anxiety. Here I am a couple of months later, thanks be to God, Freed from that. I also met with a priest after one of the Stations of the Cross, and told him about what was happening. He anointed me with I believe that oil, and prayed over me. My life has completely changed after that, prayer, Sacraments and prayer with family.

 

[Bix]

I was anointed when I was diagnosed with an aggressive non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma at stage IV. At that point, I had about two months to live if treatment was not effective. To this day, there is still no standard medical treatment for the rare unspecified sub-type that I had (Peripheral T-Cell Lymphoma - NOS) An absolutely providential set of circumstances then came to pass, which have ultimately resulted in my healing and being cancer-free for three years now. I felt the presence of the Holy Spirit at my anointing, but that is not an indicator of the effectiveness of the Sacrament. I did not wash my hands or forehead, but rather wore it.

This is going to sound crazy, but oh we’ll… Did you feel like … I felt like I swallowed a massive gulp of almost sweet smelling air. That sounds insane. I know. I wasn’t expecting to rececive the sacrament yesterday and didn’t have time to think or read up more on it. While I was sitting when he used the oil ( proper term?) on my forehead - I breathed out as normal and when I breathed in - it was quite odd, but not bad. It took my breath away momentarily and I could feel and smell it. I feel like an idiot writing this, but no, I’m not insane or on meds for my head. I experience lots of weird things, but usually don’t ask about them here. . Maybe I am crazy. … I didn’t tell my priest because we were near the end of our time and I needed to gather my thoughts. What was this? Any ideas or thoughts?

 

[Cat_Herder]

This is going to sound crazy, but oh we’ll… Did you feel like … I felt like I swallowed a massive gulp of almost sweet smelling air. That sounds insane. I know. I wasn’t expecting to rececive the sacrament yesterday and didn’t have time to think or read up more on it. While I was sitting when he used the oil ( proper term?) on my forehead - I breathed out as normal and when I breathed in - it was quite odd, but not bad. It took my breath away momentarily and I could feel and smell it.
…
What was this? Any ideas or thoughts?

Possibly an actual grace.

 

[Joe_Kelley]

We advise people to rub their hands together; i.e. rub the oil in. Then don’t worry about it.

I once had a bad spell of depression and asked for the anointing. The priest said that it was only for physical ills. [It depends on the priest. Some will anoint for non-physical ills others won’t.] So I gave him my list of symptoms, age, heart, blood pressure etc.

He told me to go into the adoration chapel and wait for him. He came in a few minutes and anointed me. Some Vietnamese ladies were praying in the back. One followed me out and asked it I had received the anointing. I told her yes, I had some problems. She told me that they would pray for me.

I don’t know if it was the anointing or their prayers, but in a minute or so the depression switched off like a light and never returned.

 

[beth40n2]

A few years ago I had two ruptured discs in my back and could not walk. I was bedridden for a month. My priest came every week and gave me the sacraments, confession, eucharist and annointing of the sick and then again right before my surjery. I can not say I felt anything when I was annointed, but I can tell you shortly afterwards my pain lessoned and I did better for a few days. Each time I was annointed, I did do better. It did give me the graces I needed to endure the time of pain and inactivities. At that time if I got up vertical and even tried to walk a few steps to the bathroom, I could not stand the pain. The sacrament helped. After my surgery, I healed faster than the doctor expected.

My priest does given the sacrament even if there is no danger of death. But anyone going to surgury could die, so they should recieve the sacrament.

 

[Diana_Catherine]

This is going to sound crazy, but oh we’ll… Did you feel like … I felt like I swallowed a massive gulp of almost sweet smelling air. That sounds insane. I know. I wasn’t expecting to rececive the sacrament yesterday and didn’t have time to think or read up more on it. While I was sitting when he used the oil ( proper term?) on my forehead - I breathed out as normal and when I breathed in - it was quite odd, but not bad. It took my breath away momentarily and I could feel and smell it. I feel like an idiot writing this, but no, I’m not insane or on meds for my head. I experience lots of weird things, but usually don’t ask about them here. . Maybe I am crazy. … I didn’t tell my priest because we were near the end of our time and I needed to gather my thoughts. What was this? Any ideas or thoughts?

I was in the room once when someone received annointing of the sick and had a similar feeling and I wasn’t even being annointed. The person annointed was an elderly man who continued to live longer than what people thought he would.

 

[Bix]

Thank you all for sharing. God bless you! I would love to hear more stories…

So, are you only anointed once?

What if your reason includes multiple issues that you haven’t shared? My priest said not to worry, God does the work. Agreed?

Someone posted earlier that we had to do the work also- what exactly does that mean or entail?

Thank you especially Cat herder and Diana. We should have an odd religious experience help forum! Sometimes, sometimes things are… Leave that for later.

God Bless

 

[po18guy]

This is going to sound crazy, but oh we’ll… Did you feel like … I felt like I swallowed a massive gulp of almost sweet smelling air. That sounds insane. I know. I wasn’t expecting to rececive the sacrament yesterday and didn’t have time to think or read up more on it. While I was sitting when he used the oil ( proper term?) on my forehead - I breathed out as normal and when I breathed in - it was quite odd, but not bad. It took my breath away momentarily and I could feel and smell it. I feel like an idiot writing this, but no, I’m not insane or on meds for my head. I experience lots of weird things, but usually don’t ask about them here. . Maybe I am crazy. … I didn’t tell my priest because we were near the end of our time and I needed to gather my thoughts. What was this? Any ideas or thoughts?

You have just experienced one of the more powerful manifestations of the Holy Spirit. In prayer I will occasionally experience an onrushing of the Spirit. At times, He nearly takes my breath away, and my breathing becomes arrhythmic for a few moments - not frightening, but rather an intense feeling of awe.

 

[Bix]

God bless you~

You have just experienced one of the more powerful manifestations of the Holy Spirit. In prayer I will occasionally experience an onrushing of the Spirit. At times, He nearly takes my breath away, and my breathing becomes arrhythmic for a few moments - not frightening, but rather an intense feeling of awe.

Have you ever experienced unexpected guilt, unexpected, unwanted tears, overwhelming grief at how little we are when simple going in to say a prayer? Convinction, unworthiness you weren’t prepared for? Combined with the scent of flowers, tobacco and incense?

Something you knew nothing of and expected nothing? Except to light a candle?

This is a hypothetical question, but would appreciate your insight. What would this be and why? Assuming hypothetical person isn’t bonkers

 

[Bix]

You have just experienced one of the more powerful manifestations of the Holy Spirit. In prayer I will occasionally experience an onrushing of the Spirit. At times, He nearly takes my breath away, and my breathing becomes arrhythmic for a few moments - not frightening, but rather an intense feeling of awe.

Yes!~ but even , my throat felt… Too difficult to explain.

Aside from being aware of him, what are we to make, do or change? or… What is the purpose? Forgive me for asking, but I try not to dwell on these things and will be past this in a few days. Thought I would ask while it’s on my mind.

Thank you for your patience.

 

[po18guy]

Yes!~ but even , my throat felt… Too difficult to explain.

Aside from being aware of him, what are we to make, do or change? or… What is the purpose? Forgive me for asking, but I try not to dwell on these things and will be past this in a few days. Thought I would ask while it’s on my mind.

Thank you for your patience.

Just give praise and thanks. Possessing a grateful heart is enough.

 

[po18guy]

God bless you~

Have you ever experienced unexpected guilt, unexpected, unwanted tears, overwhelming grief at how little we are when simple going in to say a prayer? Convinction, unworthiness you weren’t prepared for? Combined with the scent of flowers, tobacco and incense?

Something you knew nothing of and expected nothing? Except to light a candle?

This is a hypothetical question, but would appreciate your insight. What would this be and why? Assuming hypothetical person isn’t bonkers

I have always teared up fairly easily. Only recently have I learned why. I usually tear up during mass. Sometimes even the readings will cause them to flow. The consecration is another point, but after receiving our Lord in the Holy Eucharist, I generally cannot stem the flow of tears, and no longer desire to. Those who stood at the foot of the cross shed them without shame, and that is precisely where we are at mass. But, they can be tears of sorrow or of gratitude - or both.

We are correct to sense sorrow, regret, shame or guilt during the mass, as it is our sins that betrayed the Lord, that abused Him, that crowned Him with thorns, that nailed Him to the cross. These sensations are intended to provoke a spirit of repentance within us. Yet, these are not condemnations of the Lord, but rather calls to that same repentance. Yet, these sensations that we experience must be in proportion and appropriate to the situation. If they become extreme, it might be time to speak with Father about them.

In any event, I would Seek out a priest who is knowledgeable regarding the gifts of the Holy Spirit, and their fruits in our faith life. A conversation with him might settle any anxiety you may have regarding these manifestations. But, at the same time, if you are moving closer to our Lord, beware the evil one. He hates that, and may set some snares to trap you. I find that he lies in wait right outside of the confessional.

 

[Bix]

I have always teared up fairly easily. Only recently have I learned why. I usually tear up during mass. Sometimes even the readings will cause them to flow. The consecration is another point, but after receiving our Lord in the Holy Eucharist, I generally cannot stem the flow of tears, and no longer desire to. Those who stood at the foot of the cross shed them without shame, and that is precisely where we are at mass. But, they can be tears of sorrow or of gratitude - or both.

We are correct to sense sorrow, regret, shame or guilt during the mass, as it is our sins that betrayed the Lord, that abused Him, that crowned Him with thorns, that nailed Him to the cross. These sensations are intended to provoke a spirit of repentance within us. Yet, these are not condemnations of the Lord, but rather calls to that same repentance. Yet, these sensations that we experience must be in proportion and appropriate to the situation. If they become extreme, it might be time to speak with Father about them.

In any event, I would Seek out a priest who is knowledgeable regarding the gifts of the Holy Spirit, and their fruits in our faith life. A conversation with him might settle any anxiety you may have regarding these manifestations. But, at the same time, if you are moving closer to our Lord, beware the evil one. He hates that, and may set some snares to trap you. I find that he lies in wait right outside of the confessional.

Thank you for your honesty. I detest crying,… Seems like a form of weakness. God has a sense of humor in his teachings.

It’s not so much the anxiety, but rather I am always trying to find a logical answer first… Also, wanting to understand and some things just take time I guess. This isnt anything new, simply a wee, tiny glass of liquid courage to post -~ forgive me.

I speak with my priest quite regularly. Am all too aware of the devil. He’s even clawed something on a door before a meeting, really… Yep, I sound crazy and you don’t know half of it ~ may take me a few years to sign back in on this forum after this

 

[Bix]

Please delete post, please … Begging.

 

[po18guy]

Thank you for your honesty. I detest crying,… Seems like a form of weakness. God has a sense of humor in his teachings.

It’s not so much the anxiety, but rather I am always trying to find a logical answer first… Also, wanting to understand and some things just take time I guess. This isnt anything new, simply a wee, tiny glass of liquid courage to post -~ forgive me.

I speak with my priest quite regularly. Am all too aware of the devil. He’s even clawed something on a door before a meeting, really… Yep, I sound crazy and you don’t know half of it ~ may take me a few years to sign back in on this forum after this

We cannot fathom the spiritual using the rational - two different worlds. You know the devil is real, and that he wants you. As to tears, when Lazarus died, Jesus wept. It is no sin to be Christ-like.