Many, many years ago, with the reforms of Vatican II (1963-1965) all the rites of the church were to be revised. Not only did the language of the rites have to change from Latin to the vernacular, but a new understanding, a revised theological depth was called for. One of the rites that is obvious to us all is our Liturgy: the Mass. However, another rite that has radically changed in our understanding is the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick. Let's explore this a bit…

From:
The Apostolic Constitution: Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick (Pope Paul VI)
The Catholic Church professes and teaches that the anointing of the sick is one of the seven sacraments of the New Testament, that it was instituted by Christ our Lord, "intimated in Mark (6:13) and through James, the apostle and brother of the Lord, recommended to the faithful and made known: "Is there anyone sick among you? Let him send for the presbyters of the Church and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. The prayer of faith will save the sick man and the Lord will raise him up. If he has committed any sins, they will be forgiven him' (James 5:14-15)."

After the Council of Florence had described the essential elements of the sacrament of the anointing of the sick, the Council of Trent declared that it was of divine institution and explained what is taught in the Letter of James concerning holy anointing, especially about the reality signified and the effects of the sacrament: "This reality is in fact the grace of the holy Spirit, whose anointing takes away sins, if any still remain, and the remnants of sin; this anointing also raises up and strengthens the soul of the sick person, arousing a great confidence in the divine mercy; thus sustained, the sick person may more easily bear the trials and hardships of sickness, more easily resist the temptations of the devil 'lying in wait for his heel' (Genesis 3:15), and sometimes regain bodily health, if this is expedient for the health of the soul."

Vatican Council II adds the following: "'Extreme unction,' which may also and more properly be called 'anointing of the sick,' is not a sacrament for those only who are at the point of death. Hence, as soon as any one of the faithful begins to be in danger of death from sickness or old age, the fitting time for that person to receive this sacrament has certainly already arrived.'" The use of this sacrament is a concern of the whole Church: "By the sacred anointing of the sick and the prayer of its presbyters, the whole Church commends the sick to the suffering and glorified Lord so that he may raise them up and save them (see James 5:14-16). The Church exhorts them, moreover, to contribute to the welfare of the whole people of God by associating themselves willingly with the passion and death of Christ (see Romans 8:17; Colossians 1:24; 2 Timothy 2:11-12; 1 Peter 4:13).'"

The sacrament may be repeated if the sick person recovers after being anointed and then again falls ill or if during the same illness the person's condition becomes more serious.

Why did I just give you all that? When anyone is sick or approaching surgery, when anyone is dying, PLEASE CALL! It is such a privilege to be able to pray with those who are in need. This sacrament is for when people are cognizant and able to appreciate the sacrament. Of course, if there has been an emergency, I welcome the opportunity to pray over and anoint someone in a coma (or that same state).

Sacraments are for the living! Allow the living to celebrate their sacraments and their faith! Please never WAIT/DELAY to call a priest until someone is dead. While someone is sick, we have the opportunity to offer words of comfort: the Words of Christ!

Certainly at the time of death, the priest is more than wanting to pray with those surviving; however, unless the priest has some doubt about the certainty of death, there is no anointing.

So, let's not wait until death to call a priest. At a time of sickness and crisis, let us all pray together, celebrate our faith, and pray for healing and mercy. No longer is the sacrament called the Last Rites. This sacrament's name is: Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick - what a beautiful name now that we understand it's meaning!