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August 11, 2001
An interesting article concerning the changing face of Catholicism
From Louisville, KY THE RECORD, 8/2/01
Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick; what it is and what it is not
by "Father" Paul A. Scaglione
For the most part, it takes a lot to get me upset. But the one, three-word phrase that really sets me off is when I hear "the last rites."
I immediately make a judgment that whoever asks for this knows nothing about the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick and probably is not an actively practicing Catholic. My past pastoral experience warns me that I am about to enter a situation surrounding an imminent death with a stressful family dealing with their grief while hoping for a miracle. Every Parish priest has been caught in this situation.
There is not enough space here for a full catechesis on the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick. But let me bury "the last rites" in a positive way by offering guidelines about this sacrament. I encourage you to share this column with others, especially non-practicing Catholic family members and friends.
1. Sacrament of the Sick, not the dying or dead.
The title of the sacrament is clear. This is a sacrament for the sick given so that they may be comforted and strengthened by God's grace during their illness.
Jesus Christ's compassion for the sick leads him to touch and heal. This sacrament encourages the sick person with the prayer of the Church and the healing presence and touch of God through the priest, family and friends gathered together. This sacrament needs to be celebrated before a crisis occurs, before the last moments of death when a believer often cannot respond or be consoled by the Sacrament of the Sick.
2. Sacrament of the Sick, not a guarantee of salvation. .
The sacrament does not guarantee salvation for the recipient. God is merciful and compassionate. God is just. The judgment of God upon any individual is simply unknown. It is better left in the hands of God alone.
But we do know that our lives as Catholic believers, as men and women who strive mightily to live a daily, ongoing relationship in faith with God will be judged according to the conduct of our entire lives. This sacrament is not about the passage through death. Thus sacrament is about seeking God as a faithful disciple so that one's illness can be endured with the love of God who is the hope of my salvation.
3. Sacrament of the Sick, not of delay.
This sacrament should be asked for and celebrated when a person's condition becomes serious. Serious conditions include anyone who is about to undergo major surgery, advanced age with noticeable weakness, even when no serious illness is present; and serious, chronic life-threatening illnesses, such as cancer and heart disease.
If in doubt ask your parish priest. A parish Priest would welcome the call and opportunity to celebrate this sacrament long before a crisis occurs. Don't hesitate to call, don't wait for an emergency.
(End of article)
My Notes:
The title of the Sacrament was changed during Vatican II. It used to be officially called Extreme Unction, but the term "Last Rites" became common among practicing Catholics.
The Catholic Church teaches that your eternal state depends on the state of your soul at the moment of death. If you were in mortal sin and had the opportunity, in this sacrament, to receive priestly absolution, this sacrament would make the difference between Heaven (or Purgatory) and Hell.
During the administration of this sacrament, Holy Communion is given to the subject. This is officially called Holy Viaticum, which means preparation for a journey.