Word to the Wise
Saturday, May 21, 2016 - Saturday in the 7th Week in Ordinary Time
[Jas 5:13-20 and Mark 10:13-16]SATURDAY, MAY 21, 2016 SATURDAY IN THE SEVENTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME [James 5:13-20 and Mark 10:13-16] Is anyone among you sick? He should summon the pressures of the Church, and they should pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. The prayer of faith will save the sick person, and the Lord will raise him up. If he has committed any sins, he will be forgiven. [James] One of the greatest sacramental reforms of the Second Vatican Council was to broaden the access of the faithful to the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick. Many of my generation remember that it was called "Extreme Unction," and was usually given only to those who were "actively dying." The change in name means what it says: available to all the sick. The words from the Letter of James, quoted above, are read at the beginning of the ceremony and set the tone for the whole experience. At the last service of a parish mission, I usually administer this sacrament. I explain that it is not for minor aches and pains unless those are part of a more chronic condition such as arthritis or diabetes. I also explain that emotional illness is included. The impact of the service is profound. So many of us are in serious need of healing, and to experience the healing grace of Jesus in this sacrament is a great blessing. As I write this, I am concluding a retreat for priests in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada. Two dioceses are represented, and the two bishops administered the anointing of the sick for the priests. It was a beautiful moment. Some parishes celebrate a monthly Mass for the Sick to extend this grace. It is a pastoral frustration to be called at the last minute for this sacrament when a person has been ill for a long time and the family worries that calling the priest will frighten the sick person. I urge all the Beloved Congregation to take advantage of this sacrament early on in illness and to attend the parochial service regularly when a condition is chronic. The mercy and love of Jesus are clearly present in this and we do not have to deny ourselves that grace. AMEN
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