Illness and Caring for the Sick - #8 The Liturgical Format (Part I)

What is the format for the liturgy of anointing of the sick? When the family or the parish gathers to anoint the sick, people will become aware that people who are sick experience various levels of pain, isolation, and suffering. The way we all gather for this liturgy is important. Our bodily interaction conveys unspoken meaning to one another. The tone of our voices conveys our ease or awkwardness with those who are sick. On one hand, we need to avoid a climate of condescension or syrupy concern. On the other hand, we need to convey a genuine solicitude and reverence. The anointing liturgy, in home or church building, begins with gathering as the body of Christ.

The introductory rite, simple and brief, creates a climate of prayer. It plays out the four steps.

First, the presiding priest greets the assembly in these or similar words: "The peace of the Lord be with you always," or "Peace be with you and all who live here," or "The grace and peace of God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ be with you." All respond: "And also with you."

Second, if desirable, the priest sprinkles the assembly with holy water. This connects anointing with baptism, the sacrament of original friendship with the triune God.

Third, the presiding priest then addresses those who are present. The following brief instruction spells out the multiple meanings of the entire liturgy. It can be used as is or it can be adapted:

"My dear friends, we are gathered here in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, who is present among us. As the gospels relate, the sick came to him for healing; moreover, he loves us so much that he died for our sake. Through the apostle James, he has commanded us: 'Are there any who are sick among you? Let them send for the priests of the Church, and let the priest pray over them, anointing them with oil in the name of the Lord; and the prayers of faith will save the sick persons, and the lord will raise them up; and if they have committed any sins, their sins will be forgiven them.' Let us therefore commend our sick to the grace and power of Christ, that he may save them and raise them up."

Fourth, the presiding priest invites the assembly to join in the penitential rite.

The next section is the liturgy of the Word. Various ministers, whether in home or church, proclaim the Word. The assembly's' energy level and other circumstances should guide how much or how little to do. The readings from the Hebrew scriptures are rich. Here is a sample: 1 Kings 11:4-8, Job 7:1-4 and 6-11; Job 7: 12-21; Job 19: 23-27; Wisdom 9:1 and 9-18; Isaiah 35: 1-10; Isaiah 52: 13-53:12 and 43, 63, 71, 86, 102, 103 and 143 is used.

Selections such as Romans 8:14-39, Romans 12:1-2, 1 Corinthians 1:18-25, Galatians 4:12-19 and James 5:13-16 are fitting. Finally, gospels such as Matthew 8:14 and 8:5-17, 15:29-31, Mark 2:1-12, 4:35-41, and 10:46-52, Luke 7:19-23, 10:25-37, 18:9-14, and John 10:11-18 richly convey God's tender mercy.