Anointing of the Sick QUIZ

Job

A good man who suffers greatly without cause; challenges the Law of Retribution by showing that suffering is not always a punishment for sin.

Henri Nouwen

Catholic priest and author of The Wounded Healer, emphasized that those who suffer can become sources of healing for others.

Wounded Healers

Those who experience suffering and use it to bring compassion and healing to others, like Christ.

Law of Retribution

Belief in the Old Testament that suffering was a result of sin, and health/prosperity was a reward for righteousness.

Extreme Unction

 Former name for the sacrament, meaning “last anointing”; now called Anointing of the Sick to reflect broader use.

Oil

Matter of the sacrament, specifically the Oil of the Sick, used for anointing.

Council of Trent

Reaffirmed the sacrament during the Counter-Reformation; emphasized its use at the end of life.

Second Vatican Council

Reformed the sacrament to include not only those near death but anyone seriously ill or suffering.

Apocalyptic

Genre of literature and theology that developed as people began to believe reward/punishment would occur in the next life, not necessarily on earth.

Redemptive Suffering

The belief that our suffering can have meaning and be united with Christ’s suffering for the salvation or benefit of others.

Matter

 Oil of the Sick; Anointing with oil on forehead and hands.

Form

 Words of Anointing (e.g., “Through this holy anointing…”).

Minister

Priest or higher

How Often

Can be received more than once (especially if illness worsens or new illness arises).

What kind of healing does the sacrament provide?

• Spiritual healing and comfort.
  
  

• Forgiveness of sins if the person cannot confess.
  
  

• Sometimes physical healing.
  
  

• Strength, peace, and courage to endure suffering.
  
  

How is the community a part of this sacrament?

• The community prays for the sick.
  
  

• The sacrament often takes place in communal settings (family, parish, hospital).
  
  

• The sick are recognized as integral to the Body of Christ, not as outcasts.

• The sacrament shows God’s healing love through the Church.
  

What did the people in the Old Testament think about illness? What did Jesus teach about suffering?

• Old Testament: Illness seen as a punishment for sin (Law of Retribution).
  
  

• Jesus’ Teaching: Rejected this idea. He taught that God loves the sick, and suffering is not a punishment. Instead, God is with us in our suffering.
  
  

How can suffering bring us to new life?

• It can unite us with Christ's own suffering.
  
  

• It can help us grow in compassion, humility, and holiness.
  
  

• Suffering can become redemptive when offered for others, giving it deeper meaning and value.
  
  

Who can receive the sacrament?

• Anyone seriously ill.
  
  

• Those undergoing major surgery.
  
  

• Elderly people even if not gravely ill.
  
  

• Children above the age of reason who are seriously ill.
  
  

• Those who become seriously ill again or whose condition worsens.
  
  

• Unconscious persons who would have asked for the sacrament if they were able.