Preparing the sick to receive it is a special sign of charity and, at times, of justice.
Among the missions entrusted to the Apostles, the task of preaching and healing the sick stands out. Having summoned the Twelve, he gave them power over all demons and to cure diseases. They set out and went through the villages proclaiming the Gospel and healing everywhere. In the mission entrusted to his disciples after the Resurrection is contained this promise: those who believe in him will lay their hands on the sick, and they will be healed.
The disciples fulfilled this commission, following the example of the Master. The Acts of the Apostles and the Letters of the New Testament describe and ponder the care for the sick among the first Christians. The sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick, instituted by Jesus Christ and proclaimed by the Apostle James in his Letter18 , makes present in an effective way the Lord's solicitude for all those who suffered from a serious illness. "The presence of the priest at the bedside of the sick is a sign of Christ's presence, not only because he is a minister of Anointing, Penance and the Eucharist, but also because he is a special servant of the peace and consolation of Christ".
Sickness, which entered the world because of sin, is also overcome by Christ inasmuch as it can become a much greater good than physical health itself. With the Anointing of the Sick one receives innumerable goods, which the Lord has arranged to sanctify serious illness. The first effect of this sacrament is to increase sanctifying grace in the soul; for this reason, before receiving it, it is advisable to go to confession. However, if one is not in a state of grace and it is impossible to go to confession (for example, a person who has suffered an accident and is unconscious), this Holy Unction also erases mortal sin: it is sufficient that the sick person makes or has previously made an act of contrition, even if it is imperfect.
Besides increasing grace, it cleanses the traces of sin in the soul, gives a special grace to overcome the temptations that may arise in such a situation, and grants health to the body if it is suitable for salvation. In this way, the soul is prepared to enter Heaven. It often produces in the sick person a great peace and a serene joy, considering that he is already very close to his Father God.
Our Mother the Church recommends that the sick and the elderly receive this sacrament at the opportune moment, without delaying its administration for false reasons of mercy, compassion, etc., in the terminal phases of life here on earth. It would be a pity if people who could have received the Anointing, die without it because of ignorance, carelessness or a misunderstood affection of relatives and friends. Preparing the sick to receive it is a special sign of affection and, at times, of justice.
Our Blessed Mother Mary is always close at hand. "The presence of Mary and her maternal help in those moments (of serious illness) should not be thought of as something marginal and simply parallel to the sacrament of Anointing. It is, rather, a presence and a help that is actualized and transmitted through the Anointing itself."
We are in Lent. Let us open, in a special way during this liturgical season, our eyes to the pain that surrounds us. Christ wants to make himself present in his Passion, in that pain, in our own or other people's sickness, and to give it a redemptive value.
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