Holy Unction/Annointing of the Sick

[Koey]

That is a good update on the Catholic Encyclopedia. I can see that some things are different. It still saddens me that Jesus' example is not used. He did not discriminate when healing people.

 

[a_ntv]

That is a good update on the Catholic Encyclopedia. I can see that some things are different. It still saddens me that Jesus' example is not used. He did not discriminate when healing people.

Well, Jesus healed anyone, disciples and not-christians: those were miracles and the aim was to have the people to believe in Him

Still now miracolous healings happen, to both christians and not-christians, but for that it is not necessary a sacrament, but simply the prayer.

Mark 2:9 Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, 'Rise, take up your pallet and walk'?

The aim of the sacrament of Holy Unction is not mainly to heal the body (also), but to strenght the spirit: and that is more difficoult.

To heal the spirit:
- for not-christians the Catholic Church proposes the sacrament of baptism
- for christians (both catholics and not-catholics) the Catholic Church proposes the following path: sacrament Confession, the sacrament of Chrisimation, and the Holy Unction (to strengh your spirit to bear illness), and of course the Eucharist.

I dont see where is the discrimination.

 

[Koey]

Your explanation saddens me even more. What a shame.

 

[BigNorsk]

James 5:14 Is anyone among you sick? He should summon the presbyters of the church, and they should pray over him and anoint (him) with oil in the name of the Lord, 15 and 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.

This sacrament isn't discussed all that often. What chuches practice it? Do you really believe because of it, any sins committed will be forgiven, as St. James says?

My denomination practices it though I wouldn't say it is really common. I have myself received it from our elders. It is a wonderful thing. It includes confession and absolution, annointing, and being prayed over with all the elders laying on their hands.

I don't think anyone is forgiven their sins through it just by having it performed. It is the faith of the person through which grace is received. We do not call it a sacrament for it was not instituted by Jesus, still it is a very precious thing to strengthen one's faith and give your very life to God.

Marv

 

[Koey]

I suppose where people get the idea of forgiveness of sin, is where James says IF they have sinned. I believe that means that not all sickness is the direct result of our personal sins, though perhaps the sins of the world for sure. I once heard a preacher say that if you want to avoid all sickness, start by choosing the right parents without genetic defects, then avoid every germ you ever come into contact with, then avoid contact with sinners around you (basically everyone), and so on. So basically, avoiding getting sick is pretty nigh impossible, even for the most righteous among us.

 

[Macrina]

I suppose where people get the idea of forgiveness of sin, is where James says IF they have sinned. I believe that means that not all sickness is the direct result of our personal sins, though perhaps the sins of the world for sure. I once heard a preacher say that if you want to avoid all sickness, start by choosing the right parents without genetic defects, then avoid every germ you ever come into contact with, then avoid contact with sinners around you (basically everyone), and so on. So basically, avoiding getting sick is pretty nigh impossible, even for the most righteous among us.

Then it's a good thing we know the Healer.

 

[a_ntv]

I suppose where people get the idea of forgiveness of sin, is where James says IF they have sinned. I believe that means that not all sickness is the direct result of our personal sins, though perhaps the sins of the world for sure. I once heard a preacher say that if you want to avoid all sickness, start by choosing the right parents without genetic defects, then avoid every germ you ever come into contact with, then avoid contact with sinners around you (basically everyone), and so on. So basically, avoiding getting sick is pretty nigh impossible, even for the most righteous among us.

I disagree with the believe (of such a preacher) that the sickness is a direct fruit of our sins, or of the sins of who is near to us, or of our progenitors

Jesus stayed among sinners, and he sent his diceples to eat with tax collectors and sinners.

Sickness is allowed by God to develop our SINERGY with the Cross:
Romans 8:17 and if children, then heirs, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.
Romans 12:1 I appeal to you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your rational worship.

The Holy Unction gives us the strengh to transform the sickness into a offering to Him.

 

[Koey]

Oh boy!