The Sacrament we will learn about today is the Sacrament of Holy Unction, or anointing of the sick. This is also the Sacrament that is often referred to as Last Rites. Last Rites, or Extreme Unction in the Eastern Orthodox Church, actually consists of three Sacraments. First, Confession and Absolution, Second, Holy Communion, and Third, Anointing with Holy Oil.
The Sacrament of Holy Unction or anointing unto healing with Holy Oil is performed during a special Holy Wednesday evening service during Holy Week. The Sacrament of Holy Unction or anointing of the sick and the laying on of hands for healing purposes can be performed at any time during the year, whenever required. Extreme Unction is also available at any time during the year.
The Role of Oil in Holy Unction
The oil used in anointing is primarily olive oil. Oil is mentioned in the Bible 187 times. The root word for anoint is mentioned 157 times, and curiously, healing—using a combination of root words (heal, healed, cleansed, cure, cured, and cast out)—is also mentioned 157 times in the New Testament alone. Anointing with oil is common throughout the Scriptures, and so even today, we can receive the same grace and healing dispensed by the Apostles by being anointed by an Apostolically ordained Priest or Bishop.
The Scriptures and Holy Unction
In Matthew Chapter 10, starting with verse 7, we read: “And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand. 8 Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give.” In Matthew Chapter 8, starting with verse 7, “And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand. 8 Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give.”
In the Gospel according to St. Mark, Chapter 16, beginning with verse 15, “And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. 16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be condemned. 17 And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; 18 They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.”
The Laying on of Hands
Associated with the Sacrament of Holy Unction is the “Laying on of Hands,” used by the Priest or Bishop to transfer healing power from the Holy Spirit to the afflicted person. The Holy oil is the tangible part of the Sacrament, and the laying on of hands, with the grace received, is the spiritual mystery that takes place during this Sacrament.
We have evidence that power is transmitted from the servant (Priest or Bishop) to the afflicted person in the Acts of the Apostles, Chapter 8, beginning with verse 14: “Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John: 15 Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost: 16 (For as yet He was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.) 17 Then laid they [their] hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost.”
In this Scripture lesson, the gentleman named Simon wanted to purchase the power that the Apostles had to lay hands on people and have them receive the Holy Spirit. This greatly offended the Apostles, and Simon’s response from them was quite a chastisement! The grace and healing power of God cannot be purchased! It has been transmitted freely from the Apostles to modern-day Bishops and Priests. Anything other than the proper use of this Sacrament is not valid, nor would it be effective!
The Laying on of Hands in the Sacraments
The laying on of hands is part of the Sacrament of Baptism, Chrismation, Holy Orders, Holy Marriage, Holy Penance, and Holy Unction. In each case, power is transmitted from the Holy Spirit to the recipient of the Sacrament.
In 1 Timothy, Chapter 4, beginning with verse 14, we read: “Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery. 15 Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all. 16 Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.”
In the Acts of the Apostles, Chapter 9, beginning with verse 10, we read an account of the healing of St. Paul by Ananias: “And there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias; and to him said the Lord in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Behold, I [am here], Lord. 11 And the Lord [said] unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and inquire in the house of Judas for [one] called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth, 12 And hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting [his] hand on him, that he might receive his sight.”
The Healing Power of the Sacrament
St. Paul received the same healing powers from Ananias that he, himself, dispensed to others during his ministry on the earth. Paul, who had been blinded and afflicted by the Lord on the road to Damascus, now received healing grace and comfort from the same Lord through His servant Ananias.
The Sacrament of healing or Holy Unction brought back health and sight to St. Paul, just as it brings comfort and relief from our sufferings today. With the exception of Holy Communion, I have administered the Sacrament of Holy Unction more times than any other Sacrament. I have witnessed many healings from this Sacrament, some so miraculous that they practically defied nature. Truly, with God, all things are possible.
The Seven Sacraments and God’s Compassion
As we study the Seven Sacraments of our Church, we learn of the seven ways that God has displayed His love and compassion to us. The Sacraments are wonderful ways to draw near to God, to commune with Him, to receive power from Him, and to worship Him with all of your senses.
