Next Sunday our parishes will join together at Sakonnet Bay Manor for a celebration of healing and anointing. The celebration will be in the context of Mass, and if past experience has taught us anything, it will be a wonderful experience of God’s calming and comforting touch in our lives. Whether one is anointed, or there to pray for the sick among us, we are each touched in a most special way. Many have heard through the years about “healing services”, where those in attendance may be invited to come to the altar and “claim” their healing. Some of us have the vision of those who have been prayed over laying on the floor, having fallen gently when “slain in the Spirit”, a real and sometimes maligned reality in our faith life. Our celebrations of healing, both past and present, might not be characterized in such charismatic terms. We will be using the ritual for anointing given us by the Church, and doing so in the context of a Sunday Mass. After a Liturgy of the Word which begins every Mass, where the word of God is heard and gives great comfort and hope, we will pray for the sick in our community. Included in this prayer are not only those present at the Mass, but all in our families who need God’s touch and compassion. Calling upon the Spirit of God, we will be moving through the congregation and “laying hands” on each person who wishes us to do so. The ancient gesture is a profoundly comforting one, where the simplest physical touch can convey a deep sense of the spiritual presence of our God. This laying on of hands is soon followed by the actual anointing of each person who asks for God’s healing. The oil we use is that which is blessed and consecrated by the Bishop during Holy Week of each year. At Saint Theresa it is prominently displayed at the baptismal font, along with the other two oils which play an important part in our sacramental life: The oil of Chrism used at baptisms, confirmations, ordinations and the dedications of churches and altars, and the Oil of Catechumens, which is used prior to baptism to open the person to be baptized to hear the word of God and be filled with its transforming power. The Oil for the Sick is placed upon the forehead and palms of each hand of the person being anointed, as the priest prays “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.” In the forgiveness of sins, and the enduring presence of the Spirit of God, we are to find great comfort and hope in the midst of our suffering. Who can be anointed? Anyone, really, who has been baptized and is in need of some type of healing, be it physically, emotionally or spiritually. One would not be anointed over and over again for the exact same illness or condition, however, if the attitude is “Once is good, twice is even better”. Being anointed should carry with it an assurance in faith that the Lord has heard our prayers, and has touched us in love. If, however, it has been a while, or if a new or chronic condition may be helped with this real healing presence of God, then by all means a person should seek out the sacrament. Consider joining us next week at Sakonnet Bay, even if it is to pray with us, and not be anointed. Your presence and prayer is such an important part of our Church’s healing ministry.

© 2007 Peter J. Andrews