Jeremiah 31:7-9; Hebrews 5:1-6; Mark 10:46-52
Sacrament of Anointing
Jesus asks the same question of James & John and Bartimaeus. “What do you want me to do for you?”
James and John fail in their response (give us honor)
Bartimaeus responds correctly (I want to see)
He responded correctly because he already had the eyes of faith. Blind though he was he could see that Jesus, the Son of David, was the Messiah come into the world. It was his faith that saved him that day.
In his physical healing Jesus gave Bartimaeus so much more. Jesus gave him a share in his own life as his disciple. Remember Bartimaeus’ reponse to his healing? He followed Jesus.
Today we have gathered to pray for our brothers and sisters who are in need of God’s healing. In doing so we are like Bartimaeus, asking God for physical healing. We cry out, “Have mercy on me. Have pity on me.” We turn to God in faith and God grants us healing - for some it may be actual physical healing - for others it will be the spiritual strength they need in order to bear the hardship of their ailment- for those who are anointed, forgiveness of sin is also granted.
The Sacrament of Anointing is not just for those who are dying. Rather, this sacrament asks God to restore the person to health while at the same time granting the remission of venial sins. That is why it is important they we anoint people early in an illness, or any time that their life is in physical danger.
Reasons to receive the sacrament of anointing:
- You don’t need to be a certain age to receive this anointing. You simply need to be old enough to understand that you are in need of God’s healing.
- If you are preparing for a surgery, or have just had a surgery, you may wish to be anointed.
- If you have been anointed recently for a specific ailment you need not be anointed again. But if your ailment has worsened you may benefit from another anointing.
- If you are simply aging, and your body is not working as it once did, you may wish to receive the anointing (2-3 times a year).
- A minor illness, (H1N1, cold, or a corn on your big toe) is probably not a reason.
- If you are doctoring for a mental illness or deficiency, you may wish to receive this sacrament.
In this sacrament we ask for God’s healing, mercy, and strength. We ask God to fully restore us to health that we may take our place as members of his community. Like Bartimaeus, we believe in the healing power of Christ. We believe in the healing power granted to the church. Now we ask for this anointing on our brothers and sisters that they may fully give of themselves as members of Christ’s body.
