Doers of the Word
Sunday, July 11, 2021
“Is anyone among you sick?”
The last verse in today’s Gospel from St. Mark is part of the biblical basis for the Sacrament of the Sick. This sacred anointing of the sick was instituted by Christ. It is recommended to the faithful and St. James, the Apostle, in his letter, says, “Is anyone among you sick? S(he) should summon the presbyters of the church, and they should pray over the person and anoint with oil in the name of the Lord, and the prayer of the faithful will save the sick person, and the Lord will raise that person up. If s(he) has committed any sins, s(he) will be forgiven.” (James 5:14-16).
This is the only time in the gospels that anointing with oil is mentioned in conjunction with curing the sick. Oil was used for medicinal purposes. Ponder The Parable of the Good Samaritan, “He went to him and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine.” (Luke 10:34). According to Mark these two elements have sacramental value as a vehicle for divine healing.
When was the last time you received the Sacrament of the Sick? I submit that it would be good to receive this sacrament at least once a year. Young and old! It has no limit. Think of the anointing with oil as a soothing, alleviating power of the Holy Spirit. Remember: the sacraments give grace!
For all you biblical-minded faithful: in the Book of Revelation there is an expression which says, “do not harm the oil and the wine.” Yes, it’s difficult to exegete. Some say that these were the food of the poor. If they were staple items, then they must be protected in order to preserve life.