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LESSON 7: JESUS CONTINUES TO HEAL US IN THE SACRAMENT OF THE ANOINTING OF THE SICK

UNIT 3: THE SACRAMENTS OF HEALING SECOND QUARTER SY 2012-2013

Short Reflection
Do you know someone close to you who has a serious illness? Have you ever experienced death among those people close to you? How did you feel about them? Why did you feel that way? What do you think is the best way to handle sickness or even deal with death?

Sickness and death is part of life. Much as we do not like them they are the things that make us human vulnerable. We feel weak when we encounter them.

 However, as Christians we try to see that beyond sickness and death, we have God that we can run to.

His love for us gives us much strength to face these. Sickness and death can help us also see the things that are important - the life that was given to us and the people who love us. (cf. CFC 1825-1827)

Jesus continued to help us feel Gods compassion and healing through instituting the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick. Jesus who is the Savior is also our Healer. Let us find out today why we refer to Him as our healer.

JESUS AS THE HEALER

How did Jesus relate to the sick and the suffering?

Jesus cared about the needs of all people. However, He had a special concern for those who were sick and suffering. He listened to them and treated them with respect.

What did Jesus healing power mean to the people?

It was a sign of Gods presence and action in the lives of people. It encouraged them and strengthened their faith in the one true God. It was a sign that Gods kingdom is close at hand.

What new meaning did Jesus give to suffering?

What new meaning did Jesus 10 give to suffering?

1. Jesus healing showed that God has power over sickness and death. It was a sign of His power to save us and bring us Gods life.

What new meaning did Jesus 11 give to suffering?

1. Jesus unites our suffering with His and offers it to God.

Our suffering helps us to open to the healing power of God.

What new meaning did Jesus 12 give to suffering?

Our weakness allows us to open to Gods love.

Before we proceed, quick review first.

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Why is Jesus called the Healer?

How should we see suffering in our lives? Is suffering a good or bad experience? Why is that so?

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JESUS INSTITUTES THE SACRAMENT OF THE ANOINTING OF THE SICK

What is the sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick?

Jesus gave His Church the work of bringing Gods healing power to the sick, the elderly and the dying. By the power of the Holy Spirit, the Church carries on this mission of healing in the sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick. (CFC 1831)

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Anointing of the Sick is one of the two sacraments of healing. This sacrament is a powerful and effective sign of Jesus presence that brings strength and healing of the elderly, the sick and the dying.

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WHAT HAPPENS TO THE PERSON WHO RECEIVES ANOINTING OF THE SICK

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Those who celebrate this sacrament receive strength, peace, and courage to face the difficulties that come from serious illness. St. James writes: The prayer of faith will save the sick personIf he has committed any sins, he will be forgiven. (James 5:14-15)

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The grace of this sacrament (cf CFC 1837-1838): Renews their trust and faith in God. Unites them to Christ and to His suffering. Prepares them, when necessary, for death and the hope of his life forever with God.

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THE CELEBRATION OF THE ANOINTING OF THE SICK

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Like all sacraments, the Anointing of the Sick is a celebration of the whole community of the faithful. Most of the time, it is celebrated outside the Mass. It is celebrated in hospitals, in homes at the site of an accident or wherever someone is in need of it.

THE TWO IMPORTANT SIGNS (cf CFC 1836):

1. Laying on of Hands: 2. Anointing with Oil:

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Laying on of Hands:
In silence, the priest lays his hands on the person who is sick. This is a gesture of healing used by Jesus and the early Church. This is a sign of Gods blessing and a calling of the Holy Spirit upon the person. The priest asks for divine assistance.

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Anointing with Oil:

The anointing with the blessed oil is a sign of power and presence of the Holy Spirit. It is also a sign of healing and strengthening. Oil restores the weak and the tired, soothes and comforts the sick.

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Anointing with Oil:

The priest anoints the persons forehead with oil saying: Through this holy anointing may the Lord in His love and mercy help you with the grace of the Holy Spirit.
Then he anoints the persons hands, saying, May the Lord who frees you from sin save you and raise you up.

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What is the Viaticum?

The Viaticum is the Holy Communion given to a dying person. Viaticum means with-you-on-the-way. This refers to Christ as leading and accompanying the Christian into heavenly banquet. It is also received in the Anointing of the Sick. (CFC 1873)

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We Respond What is the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick asking us to do with the sick, elderly, suffering and the dying?

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We Respond
Jesus asks us to support those who are sick and encourage them to fight against illness. We show special care and concern for them. We take care of them in every way that we can. Even simple things like talking to them and listening to them can be a great help. (cf CCC 1506)

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Reflection Questions:
What is the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick?
Why is it important to receive the Anointing of the Sick? What happens when we receive the Anointing of the Sick?