Why *Extreme* Unction?

[Polycarp1]

I'm well aware of the Scriptural warrant and longstanding tradition of the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick, and my question is not directed at that. Rather, I'm curious: Why did the Catholic Church for so many years regard it as a sacrament only given to the dying? What was the theological rationale behind attempting to be sure that it was a part of Last Rites for every dying Catholic if possible, but not administering it until the approach of death?

I can understand if not always agree with the logic behind nearly everything the Catholic Church does -- but that one has always puzzled me. Was there a purpose in restricting Anointing to the dying? What was the logic behind it?

 

[boughtwithaprice]

It was formerly believed that a person could only receive the sacrament once in a lifetime. I don't know how that belief originated, but Emporer Constantine reserved his baptism till his deathbed, so that all of his sins would be in the past.
The feeling was that if it could only be received once, then wait till you really need it. The Annointing of the Sick can now be received more than once in a lifetime, but the church still grants a plenary indulgence at the time of death for all Catholic faithful that request it.

 

[Michelina]

Poly, the unction (annointing) gradually came to be used only 'in extremis' because the Church did not emphasize its Healing power. The under-emphasis led to a misunderstanding of the Sacrament until it was finally almost viewed as a Bon Voyage ceremony that imparted Grace.

 

[seebs]

Don't be silly. It's because the Catholic Church pretty much invented the idea of Extreme Sports. Extreme Unction was originally practiced as a tag-team activity involving priests on skateboards, with sick people at the tops of the walls of a long concrete half-pipe.

 

[Michelina]

Don't be silly. It's because the Catholic Church pretty much invented the idea of Extreme Sports. Extreme Unction was originally practiced as a tag-team activity involving priests on skateboards, with sick people at the tops of the walls of a long concrete half-pipe.

LOL LOL

I dunno what you're drinking, but I'ld like you to send me a bottle, C.O.D.

 

[Polycarp1]

Don't be silly. It's because the Catholic Church pretty much invented the idea of Extreme Sports. Extreme Unction was originally practiced as a tag-team activity involving priests on skateboards, with sick people at the tops of the walls of a long concrete half-pipe.

/me plans to make a Sacramentalist Quaker out of seebs someday!

::: wonders if ObbiQuiet's avatar is one of these Extreme Sports Priests elevated to Bishop :::

 

[Polycarp1]

:o I feel very embarrassed -- I thought I'd already thanked people for their helpful answers, and on looking at the thread, I didn't!

Thank you, and I'm sorry I didn't say it earlier! :o

 

[seebs]

<clueless>You're welcome! Hope I helped clear things up!</clueless>

 

[Michelina]

<clueless>You're welcome! Hope I helped clear things up!</clueless>

Your contribution was the key to unravelling the mystery!

 

[Bastoune]

I believe there was, back in the 1970s, an ABC Saturday morning spot about this sacrament, entitled, "Extreme Unction-Unction, what's your function?"

 

[onesheep]

I believe there was, back in the 1970s, an ABC Saturday morning spot about this sacrament, entitled, "Extreme Unction-Unction, what's your function?"

I loved School Rock!

 

[Acceptance]

I can personally testify to the AWESOME POWER of the annointment. I received it a couple years ago when I went in to talk to my priest about a traumatic childhood. It had followed me through my teenage years and into my adult life. I had sought the help of counsellors, friends, parents, but it continued to be a significant disruption in my life.

Finally I went in and talked to my priest. He counseled me, we prayed together, and then he told me he felt I should receive the sacrament. We went into the church chapel, and he annointed me. IMMEDIATELY I felt a calming peace come over me, and I tell you all in my sweet Savior's Name, I have never been afflicted by that series of events since. I know, that at that instant, God healed me.