Holy Unction
Consecration of Oil – Healing of the Body and Connection with the Body of Christ
The Holy Mystery of the consecration of oil has an inseparable connection with the Eucharist as the Mystery of the Future Age. It was established in apostolic times, and we find testimony of it in the Epistle of the Apostle James: “Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven” (James 5:14-15). The consecration of oil in the early Church was performed before the Liturgy, and the anointing after the prayer behind the ambo, that is, before the dismissal at the Liturgy. This Mystery was performed over the sick, in the presence of all who were gathered at the eucharistic assembly. This was intended to emphasize the mutual connection of all members of the Church and the connection between the human body and the Body of Christ.
What is the holy mystery of holy unction?
The holy mystery of holy unction consists of the priest’s prayers and the anointing of the sick with consecrated oil, through which God’s grace acts for the healing of the sick.
What does illness mean here?
Illness of the soul or body.
How does God’s grace act in this holy mystery?
It heals the body from its infirmities and cleanses the soul from its sins.
From what time has this mystery been performed in the Church?
From the time of Christ. By Christ’s command, the apostles went to preach the Gospel, and, among other things, “anointed many sick people with oil and healed them” (Mark 6:13).
How was the performance of this holy mystery transmitted to bishops and priests?
By the command of the apostles. The holy Apostle James writes quite clearly: “Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will help the sick, and the Lord will raise him up, and if he has committed sin, it will be forgiven him” (James 5:14-15).
Is the holy mystery of holy unction performed only over seriously ill patients and those who are dying?
No, this miraculous holy mystery is also performed over those who are mildly ill.
