Sacrament of the Sick

[scaxter]

The Sacrament [or Annointing] of the Sick has changed so much from when I was younger. I grew up with the understanding that it was supposed to be used for the very seriously ill, near death situations, and that it was the final graces we received for strength and spiritual [and possibly physical] healing at the hour of death and our journey home to heaven.

Now it seems that it is to be viewed more of a healing sacrament when someone is going for surgery or seriously sick, but not necessarily a life/death situation.

In several parishes I have seen the priest specify a certain day out of the week and say this is the day to receive the sacrament of the sick after or during the daily Mass. The priest simply asks if anyone wants to receive it. There is no preparation to tell these people the meaning of the sacrament [not that that is necessary] but how does he know they really need the sacrament? Also, he calls for all the lay people at Mass that day to lay their hands upon this person for healing. I really have a hard time with that also. Only the priest has the power to administer the sacrament, why should we lay people lay our hands upon the one receiving the sacrament? I thought the Bible spoke against this laying on of hands by just any body other than a priest.

Does anyone else have any incites into this free and changing sacrament? **

 

[robertaf]

Greetings Church,

The Bible does not say anything about laying on of hands by lay folks.
When we lay hands on folks to pray, it is not the same thing at all as the Sacrament of the Sick. We do pray for healing, sometimes along with the Priest but we agree in Prayer in the Eucharist as well. We pray along with him.

We do not give the lay folks much credit. Do you remember when Jesus sent a huge group of lay folks out to evangelize and pray with people? When they came back they had even driven out demons in Jesus name. In fact, the Apostles complained because the lay folks actually did better than they did. There must be a message there.

I am not saying that lay people who lay hands on folks, praying and even annointing them in oil (calm down, not the same oil Priests use but oil blessed by priests for this purpose, a sacramental) , pray with the same Spiritual and Pastoral gift a Priest does. I just say, it is perfectly fine to back him up in his prayer.

 

[Joe_Kelley]

Robertaf - RE lay people who lay hands on folks, praying and even annointing them in oil (calm down, not the same oil Priests use but oil blessed by priests for this purpose, a sacramental) I think the anointing of another with blessed oil has been forbidden in many areas, if not world-wide, because of the confusion with the Sacrament of the Sick.

The Vatican has issued instructions significantly limiting the conduct of “Healing” Services. http://www.christianity.com/partner/Article_Display_Page/1%2C1183%2CPTID5339|CHID14|CIID192747%2C00.html

 

[Ivi]

scaxter:

The Sacrament [or Annointing] of the Sick has changed so much from when I was younger. I grew up with the understanding that it was supposed to be used for the very seriously ill, near death situations, and that it was the final graces we received for strength and spiritual [and possibly physical] healing at the hour of death and our journey home to heaven. .]

The Sacrament has not changed neither have our Church teachings changed. Our Church is much like any living organism and as such, over time, we come to understand Her more fully as we also grow. We believe in all that our early Church Fathers have written, we also include those saints’ writings of recent time. “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” but we can’t comprehend the largess and magnitude of our Lord who is Infinite.

scaxter:

Now it seems that it is to be viewed more of a healing sacrament when someone is going for surgery or seriously sick, but not necessarily a life/death situation. .]

When one is sick, one may become self-absorbed, spiritual lethargy may set in, as discouragement. Body, mind & soul work together. The Sacrament strengthens, aids & heals the body, mind, and soul.

scaxter:

In several parishes I have seen the priest specify a certain day out of the week and say this is the day to receive the sacrament of the sick after or during the daily Mass. The priest simply asks if anyone wants to receive it. There is no preparation to tell these people the meaning of the sacrament [not that that is necessary] but how does he know they really need the sacrament? .]

There should be instruction. By the way – please read the Catechism, Nos. 1499-1532. Since you are asking this question, the Holy Spirit is prompting you to learn and study.

scaxter:

Also, he calls for all the lay people at Mass that day to lay their hands upon this person for healing. I really have a hard time with that also. Only the priest has the power to administer the sacrament, why should we lay people lay our hands upon the one receiving the sacrament? I thought the Bible spoke against this laying on of hands by just any body other than a priest.

If you’re not comfortable, don’t do so. Understand why you do what you do. And examine why you have a hard time with it. Yes, ONLY a Priest can administer this Sacrament. Because the Sacrament includes forgiveness of sins. Read Mark 6:12-13 and James 5:14-15 regarding anointing. There are countless passages in the Bible of people praying with one another.

scaxter:

Does anyone else have any incites into this free and changing sacrament? **
Hope this helps. Confirmation is a time of further committing oneself to the Lord. It should be a time of more intense teaching and prayer. For your information and probably you’ll really like this, different Diocese are now returning Confirmation to be conferred at the same time as Eucharist. Only time will tell its effect.

ALSO – get the word out since we are poorly catechized – our Christian lives are supposed to be about PRAYER, STUDY, COMMUNITY, & SERVICE.