One of the rituals contained in Christianity is the sacrament. The sacrament is a means of bestowing grace on believers. In the Catholic school itself there are seven sacraments by way of worshiping the Catholic religion, each of which has a specific meaning, one of which is the sacrament of holy oil. Of the seven sacraments are divided into three types, namely initiation, healing, and calling. The Sacrament of Holy Oil is a type of healing sacrament. There are two stages during the implementation of this ritual. First, the liturgy of the word, then second, the anointing of holy oil which is done by the priest by applying the blessed oil on the forehead and hands of the sick.
In the early Catholic church hierarchy, the sacrament of holy oil or what is commonly called the anointing of the sick is only performed for someone who is in a dying condition or nearing death. The goal is to send humans to the next life. As a result, many people are afraid to perform this sacrament, so that it is used less and less every day. However, since the Second Vatican Council, there has been a change in the function of the sacrament of the holy oil. However, even today there are still many people who are reluctant to get the anointing of holy oil when they are sick, because they think it will hasten death.
The Function and Purpose of the Anointing of the Holy Oil
To emphasize the purpose of this sacrament, we can look at the Code of Canon Law 1004; CCC 1514 which says that the anointing of the sick can be given to believers who have been able to use reason, starting from being in danger due to illness or old age. It is clear, then, that the sacrament does not necessarily hasten death, but is administered to anyone who needs the anointing for healing and strength.
Well, here we will discuss what the meaning of the sacrament of holy oil is, which actually has a fairly broad meaning. In the past, there was debate about the meaning of the anointing of holy oil. Many theologians argue that this anointing was specifically for physical healing. There are also those who think that this anointing is only done once, namely on people who cannot commit the types of sins in the Bible anymore. But over time, the anointing of holy oil was interpreted not only for physical but also spiritual healing:
Forgiveness of Sins
In sick conditions, maybe some people will have difficulty performing the ritual of confession. So, forgiveness of sins can be received through the sacrament of holy oil if the person sincerely confesses his sin. James 5:15 says that prayer that comes from faith will provide forgiveness. However, if the person is still strong, it is better to perform the sacrament of the Eucharist first.
Consolation and Strength
The sacrament of holy oil also aims to give strength to someone who is struggling with pain. Consolation itself is obtained because when someone is sick, it is easier to feel the suffering of Jesus Christ when he was crucified. In this way, the sick person is better able to feel the presence of Jesus.
As for the sacrament of this holy oil, we ask for the fruits of the Holy Spirit to always work, so that the sick person will always be given joy, peace, patience, and other fruits of the Holy Spirit.
Preparation for Eternal Life
In old age or serious illness, the sacrament of holy oil can be interpreted as a preparation for the transition to the next life, and also so that the sick person is given protection, kept away from evil spirits, and given healing of the soul.
Those are some reviews about this Sacrament not only for those who are about to experience death, but also for those who are sick and weak.