28th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Dear Parishioners,
We have two sacraments among the seven sacraments known as the sacraments of healing. The two sacraments I am referring to are the Sacrament of Reconciliation and the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick. Fr. Matthew and I anoint dozens of people every month and celebrate Reconciliation in the hospital, in nursing homes and at home. Sometimes people face critical health situations and sometimes even face death itself. When a priest is called to anoint someone, we try to drop what we are doing and come as fast as possible. Why? Because the sacrament brings comfort to those who are ill, but there is also an absolution in the rite for sins the sick person may have created. If a person knows they are in right relationship with God usually this is a great comfort to them.
The Anointing of the Sick is not just for those who are dying. According the tradition of the early church, whenever a person is ill they can call upon the clergy to anoint them. This prayer for healing is most powerful. When people ask who can be anointed the church’s answer is whoever is chronically ill, the elderly and whoever has a terminal illness. What do we mean when we say chronically ill? We could say those that have a progressive disease like arthritis or cancer as well as a host of other maladies can be anointed. Those who suffer different mental illnesses can also be anointed.
One thing should be noted. Children who are under the age of reason, in other words those who have not celebrated reconciliation or are under the age of seven, are usually not anointed. It is thought that they should be baptized if they have not been baptized. Certainly, a baptized child can be prayed over, but they do not need any kind of absolution for they are innocent in the eyes of God.
Why do I bring this up today? Because next week we will be having a special Mass where we will anoint the sick of the parish. This will be next Saturday morning at 8:30 a.m. I invite everyone to come who feels the need to be anointed or prayed for. Think about your need for this sacrament this week or bring someone that you know to be prayed for. This can be a moment of deep consolation for those troubled in body, mind or spirit.
Blessings,
Fr. Mark
P.S. Please remember the observance of the 500th anniversary of the beginnings of the Reformation. Catholics and Lutherans will come together to learn about the similarities between our faiths and to pray for unity. This all begins at St. Mary’s Moline TODAY at 4 p.m. Activities should be over by 6:30 p.m. I hope to see many of you there.