There is probably no sacrament more misunderstood than the Anointing of the Sick. Many still think of this sacrament as “Last Rites,” but that is not always the case.

It must also be remembered that Anointing of the Sick is a sacrament of the living. Through the administration of the priest, the focus is on a spiritual and/or a physical healing, as Jesus did throughout his ministry. The Rite of Anointing tells us there is no need to wait until a person is at the point of death to receive the Sacrament.

Of course, death is a reality of our human life, and we need not try to deny that fact when it becomes obvious or inevitable. In such cases, the Sacrament of Anointing prepares a person for death, which includes spiritual healing and the forgiveness of sins. The sick person receives the Holy Spirit’s gift of peace and courage to deal with the difficulties that accompany serious illness or the frailty of old age.