One of the yearly highlights for me is attending the day of recollection and concelebrating the Chrism Mass with Bishop Bruskewitz during which he blesses the sacred chrism, oil of catechumens and the oil of the sick. Sacred chrism is used during the administration of the sacraments of baptism, confirmation and holy orders. A wonderful explanation of this by the diocesan chancellor Father Daniel Rayer can be found on page two of the March 30 Southern Nebraska Register.
The oil of catechumens is used during the rite of baptism (CCC 1237) while the oil of the sick is used for a person suffering from a serious illness. A wonderful explanation is found in the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Instituted by Jesus Christ, it is explicitly mentioned by James the apostle in his epistle (Jas 5:14-15). It is meant not only for those who have serious illnesses, but also to be used for someone prior to a serious operation (CCC 1513, 1515).
When a person receives the sacrament of the sick, they are strengthened by the grace of God to join their sufferings to that of Christ on the cross and to resist the temptations and attacks of the devil. They likewise receive the forgiveness of sins and if it is the will of God, a physical miracle. Of course, if one is conscious, they ought to receive the sacrament of reconciliation if they are aware of any grave sin. That said, even if they are not aware of any grave sin, when one receives the sacrament of reconciliation, they likewise receive divine life or sanctifying grace because it is a sacrament. For this reason it is always best to receive both. Why turn down additional grace?
Recently, my father was admitted to a nursing home in the Omaha area where I had the privilege of offering the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass last Palm Sunday. Knowing that the majority of the residents in his cottage were Catholic I began hearing confessions and administering the sacrament of the sick to those who were interested.
When I thought I was finished, one of my sisters pointed out an elderly, frail-looking woman just outside the room where I would be offering Mass. I seem to remember a little urge to ask her, too. I figured, "Why not one more if she is Catholic?" After learning she was Catholic and of her desire to receive the sacraments and attend Mass, while applying the oil of the sick on her forehead and palms I remember saying, "Through this holy anointing may the Lord in His love and mercy help you with the grace of the Holy Spirit. May the Lord who frees you from sin save you and raise you up." Then I gave her a blessed palm and she attended Mass and received Holy Communion. A few days later her soul left her mortal body as she entered eternity.
In some sacristies it is written, "Oh priest of God, offer this Mass as if it were your first Mass, your last Mass, your only Mass." The same can be said of the laity. Hear this Mass as if it were your first Mass, your last Mass, your only Mass. May you too be resolved to meet Jesus Christ as often as you can in the confessional, and if you are aware of any serious illness, ask your parish priest if you may receive the sacrament of the sick. Let us be most grateful this Easter Season for the great gift of Jesus Christ of the seven sacraments to His Universal Church where we meet him most intimately!
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