Introduction and Effects Of the Sacrament

This sacrament used to only be for people who were near death. Since the early 1970's the sacrament has been given to any seriously ill person, on regular occasions to the very elderly even if they have no particular illness, as well as to the dying. James 5: 13-15 gives an account in the early Church of a ceremony very similar to the sacrament of the sick. Because the sacrament is no longer only for the dying it may be received a number of times during lifetime.

If a person who receives this sacrament is very ill they may have visitors with them and they can be included in the ceremony. This is a comfort to the person being anointed and to their friends, relatives and medical staff who are present. The priest will adapt the ceremony to suit the occasion. An anointing for a child will be different than for an elderly person. Visitors will be encouraged to take part in the ceremony to the level that they feel comfortable and comforted by. Only the essential elements of the sacrament need to be performed. The sacrament of reconciliation is often given before the anointing and those present may also confess their sins if this is appropriate. The priest will sprinkle holy water as a reminder of the first saving sacrament of baptism and readings from the bible and prayers are said for the person being anointed, those present and those who care for the person. Favourite bible readings, prayers and even hymns will comfort the person and make them feel secure.

The priest will quietly lay his hands on the person, hands are used to comfort and Jesus often used his touch to heal. The use of the priest's hands is a sign that the Holy Spirit is being called down to support the sick person. The forehead and hands of the person are anointed with an oil given to the priests by the bishop. The use of this oil shows that the sacrament conveys the power and succour of the whole Church. The ceremony may end with Mass or all those present joining in the Lord's prayer.

If the person is dying then they will be given the Eucharist and this is then known as the viaticum and it is a final meal for the final journey through death. If the person has not been confirmed the priest may offer this sacrament too.

The sacrament of the sick holds out the possibility of a return to physical health if this is God's wish and it also offers spiritual and certainly emotional healing. A person receiving the sacrament is given hope of recovery and a dying person is given peace in their last moments. The forgiveness of sins means the person is prepared for death and all those present share in these benefits.

Christian Attitudes Towards Sickness and Healing

Mark 2: 1-12 is an account of Jesus healing a paralysed man who had been lowered through the roof by his friends:

"A few days later, when Jesus again entered Capernaum, the people heard that he had come home. They gathered in such large numbers that there was no room left, not even outside the door, and he preached the word to them. Some men came, bringing to him a paralyzed man, carried by four of them. Since they could not get him to Jesus because of the crowd, they made an opening in the roof above Jesus by digging through it and then lowered the mat the man was lying on. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralyzed man, "Son, your sins are forgiven." Now some teachers of the law were sitting there, thinking to themselves, "Why does this fellow talk like that? He's blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?" Immediately Jesus knew in his spirit that this was what they were thinking in their hearts, and he said to them, "Why are you thinking these things? Which is easier: to say to this paralyzed man, 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, 'Get up, take your mat and walk'? But I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins." So he said to the man, "I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home." He got up, took his mat and walked out in full view of them all. This amazed everyone and they praised God, saying, "We have never seen anything like this!"

At first Jesus forgives the man's sins but this causes uproar and accusations of blasphemy, angered, Jesus tells the man to get up as proof that Jesus has authority from the Father. In the Gospel the physical healing is a sign of an inner spiritual healing. Jesus did not physically heal everyone but he gave inner strength to many. Christians are more concerned with spiritual health but also look to the easing of physical pain and disease. The Sacrament of the sick may bring physical health but this is not the reason for receiving it.

Another example of this attitude can be seen in visitors to the Marian shrine of Lourdes. Lourdes pilgrims are often sick and there have indeed been claims of physical healing there but most people go there to receive inspiration and spiritual health through prayer, worship and for the physically able, service to others.

Voluntary Euthanasia

Voluntary Euthanasia is when a person chooses to be assisted in ending their own life. The person is obviously unable to end their own life. Euthanasia is basically illegal in almost every country (2001). Illegal euthanasia is widely known to occur and organisations exist to change the law and some people beliefs mean that they will risk punishment to assist others to die.

Equally there are many people who wish to keep the law as it is and are passionately against euthanasia. They are aware that dying can be a frightening time for some people but they see better alternatives to euthanasia, this is what the Catholic Church teaches.

The medical science of pain control is called palliative care. If the proper medical facilities exist then a person can die without pain. Some of the drug treatments used in palliative care have the side effect of shortening life, these treatments are still allowed by the Church. The hospice movement provides all of the medical and emotional facilities needed to ease the final months of a terminal patient. Hospice treatment is extremely expensive and is usually provided by charities because the National Health Service does not meet the full cost of care.

Some Arguments for Euthanasia

• A person's life is their own, if they choose to end it, even with the help of another, this should be allowed. Some Christians may see it as a response to Jesus' call to 'Love thy neighbour', to halp someone to 'die with dignity'
• Even if palliative care exists, the process of dying means a loss of control, this is unacceptable to some people.
• Globally, most people die without access to expensive medical technology, they should be allowed to die at their own chosen pace.
• Euthanasia saves relatives and friends slowly watching a loved one die sometimes painfully.
• Terminal patients may want to die quickly and free up medical resources for others.

Some Arguments Against Euthanasia

• Life is a gift from God and euthanasia is an abandonment of that gift.
• Palliative care can provide a peaceful death.
• It is unfair to ask anybodies help to end your life, not only is it illegal and could get them imprisoned, it also can emotionally harm them.
• People may feel pressured into euthanasia, especially if someone else is paying for their medical care.
• People who are dying can get better and may then choose life.

Life After Death

Catholics like all Christians believe in life after death. This belief does not stop people who are close to the deceased feeling pain and mourning. The knowledge of eternal life and the support of others can ease the pain and help put the dead person's earthly life into perspective.

The Catholic Church teaches that the body is separate from the spirit, which is also called a soul. When a person dies the body starts to decay but the soul lives on and is judged. The Church teaches that after death and judgement the soul can exist in three ways. Heaven, this is eternally happiness with the soul being with God. This is a permanent communion with love. Purgatory, this is a state of preparation for heaven. Few people are directly ready to meet God so they endure a period of waiting. Hell, this is an eternal separation from God and is only for those who completely reject God's love.

Attitudes and Beliefs About Death

Different people cope with the subject of death differently. Some are shy others are open. In societies with accepted and open attitudes to death, everybody knows what to do. The rituals of death provide a comforting structure, which allows people to respond sensitively and allows the grieving to feel the support of those around them.

Not everybody believes in life after death and people who do believe have a wide variety of opinions about what it will be like. Metaphors are used to try and capture the essence of this transformed existence. The metaphors of a feast or of a serene garden, of starting again, of sleep, being with your family, these all attempt to make now what is now hidden.