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The Last Rites of Boromir One of the most Catholic scenes in The Lord of the Rings is the death of Boromir. In this short, moving scene, we see several elements of the last rites offered to Catholics. Last rites include three sacraments: reconciliation, anointing of the sick, and the Eucharist....
Humility and the Healing Power of God Listen to Bishop Barron's homily on the reading from 2 Kings 5. We all suffer from some pestilence, whether it be physical, spiritual, or emotional, and we all seek healing. We need to find the humility to accept God's cure for our spiritual ailments, just like the general Naaman does when Elisha orders him to wash in the river Jordan.
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We are all Broken (The Sacraments of Healing) In addition to the ongoing healing that we receive from regular attendance at Mass and reception of the Eucharist, the Church also provides two other significant opportunities for encountering Jesus’ healing grace: the Sacraments of Penance and Reconciliation and Anointing of the Sick.
Understanding the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick The Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick used to be called “the Last Rites” or “Extreme Unction” because the usual recipient was a dying person. Many Catholics still carry cards or wear medals so that, if they are in an accident, a priest is called to administer the sacrament. But since the Second Vatican Council, the sacrament is not just for those in imminent danger of death, but for all Catholics whose “health is seriously impaired by sickness or old age” (Rite, #99). (Franciscan Media, Fr. Don Miller, OFM)
Teaching About the Sacrament of the Sick Anointing of the Sick is a very positive encounter with our God of hope. God is a loving creator who wishes to restore us with his love. Anointing of the Sick is a rite of healing, strengthening, and compassion. As we teach about this sacrament, we should connect student learning with the graces that can bring a strengthening for ongoing perseverance — and possibly a restorative energy — to the person who suffers. To teach this, we need to revisit the learning styles and catechize with sight, sound, and movement so the inner workings of this sacrament are revealed to our students.
5 Psalms for when You're Sick For many of us, as we move through January, our thoughts turn to getting healthy by watching what we eat and hitting the gym. But the reality of winter presents us with some health challenges, as contagious illnesses like colds and the flu make their annual rounds. When we get sick in the winter months, darker days and colder weather can compound the misery of the experience.
Graces for the Sick Craft The gesture of the laying on of hands was an important part of Jesus healing the sick. He also commissioned his disciples to do so in his name. The laying on of hands remains essential to the sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick. Through this sacrament, those of any age being tried by illness are strengthened by God’s grace. While it is commonly used for those approaching death, an anointing is not limited to such moments. Any member of the faithful undergoing serious physical or mental illness, or preparing for surgery, or suffering advanced age, may receive an anointing. It’s a sacrament that can be received more than once.
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