The Seven Sacraments Part Five: Penance and Anointing of the Sick
In previous columns, I have discussed the three sacraments by which we are initiated into the Christian faith: Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist. In addition to these three sacraments of initiation, there are two sacraments of healing: Penance (confession) and the Anointing of the Sick. The Sacrament of Penance, which we also call the Sacrament of Reconciliation, restores our relationship to God when we sin. The Sacrament of the Anointing of the sick, which was formerly called “Last Rites,” or “Extreme Unction,” heals us when we are ill.
The Sacrament of Penance was often viewed in the early Church as a “second baptism,” and for many centuries it could only be received once after Baptism. But in the sixth century, Irish monks encouraged more frequent confession of sins as a way of growing in the spiritual life and healing our relationship with God when that relationship has been ruptured by sin. A generation ago, it was not uncommon for Catholics to receive the Sacrament of Penance monthly or even weekly. But today, many Catholics rarely take advantage of this powerful sacrament. This is unfortunate since the Sacrament of Penance provides us with the assurance of Christ himself that our sins have been forgiven, and it empowers us with the grace to live our life of discipleship more faithfully.
If you have not received the sacrament of Reconciliation/Penance/Confession for several years you are missing an opportunity to grow closer to Christ and deeper in the spiritual life. In a world haunted by guilt and seeking forgiveness, the Sacrament of Penance affords us God’s own forgiveness in the ministry of the priest who exercises his ministry in the person of Christ who forgives ours sins. Come to the sacrament!
The Sacrament of Anointing was formerly called the Last Rites or Extreme Unction (Last Anointing). It often frightened Catholics because it was usually administered to those who were at the point of death. The Second Vatican Council, however, renewed this sacrament by focusing on its healing power. Accordingly, it is now called “the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick.” Its purpose is to ask Christ to heal and strengthen those who are ill. Today, priests regularly anoint those who are seriously sick at home or in the hospital, even if they are not at the point of death. The purpose of the sacrament is to strengthen those who are ill by praying for then and anointing them with the oil of sick that the Bishop consecrates each year during Holy Week at the Cathedral.
Do you know someone who is seriously ill or about to undergo major surgery, call for the priest of the church, and the priest will anoint the sick person with the oil of salvation, praying for the healing and recovery of the sick person in the name of the entire church.
We Catholics are fortunate because we live in a sacramental world bathed by God’s grace. We have sacraments for all the great moments in our lives: sacraments of rebirth, sacraments of healing and, as I shall explain next week, sacraments of Christian vocation. These sacraments enable us to encounter the risen Christ is a concrete way through the signs of water and oil, through the signs of bread and wine.
If you have been away from the sacraments, it is time to return. If you have neglected the sacraments, it is time to renew your faith. As a Catholic, you live in a world of signs and symbols, a world of sacraments. You live in a world of God’s grace. You are bathed every day, whether you are aware of it or not, by God’s love. How fortunate you are!