Grace Thompson
Anointing with oil is a practice that is observed by many religious groups, including Catholics. It is believed that the practice of anointing with oil for healing is supported by James 5:14 from the Bible. While the Catholic Church prohibits non-ordained members from performing anointings, other Christian denominations such as Protestants also use anointing oils during prayer and blessings. The oil is believed to be a symbol of God's blessing and is often used to pray for healing and protection from harm.
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What You'll Learn
Anointing of the Sick
Anointing with oil is a practice that is observed by several religions, including Catholics and other Christians. The Bible discusses holy oils and the anointing of the sick multiple times throughout scripture, so this is not an idea that is unique to Catholicism. Protestants use these anointing oils as well, but it is not as common, and they are often used during prayer and blessing done by regular people rather than a priest.
In the Catholic Church, the Anointing of the Sick is one of the seven sacraments observed, along with Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist, Penance, Matrimony, and Holy Orders. The Anointing of the Sick is a practice that involves the use of oil, typically olive oil, to anoint the forehead and perhaps other parts of the sick or elderly person's body while reciting prayers. The priest lays hands on the person and says special prayers, and the oil is placed in the form of a cross. This sacrament is believed to give the person grace, strength, comfort, and peace to bear their illness or infirmity. It can be administered at any time and in any place, although it is ideally celebrated during Mass.
The oil used in the Anointing of the Sick is known as the "oil of the sick" or "holy oil" and is considered a precious gift from God, symbolizing cleansing, strengthening, healing, and comfort. The practice of anointing with oil is mentioned in the Bible, with references to David being anointed with holy oil as a blessing and a sign of strength. The New Testament also mentions Jesus' anointing as King, Prophet, and Priest, as well as his anointing with the "oil of gladness".
While the Anointing of the Sick is typically administered by a priest or bishop, there are some instances where the laity or non-ordained faithful may assist in the process. They can help by being with the sick, encouraging them to receive the sacraments, and preparing them to receive the anointing. However, it is important to note that only ordained priests or bishops are allowed to perform the actual anointing with the oil.
The purpose of anointing with oil is to enhance communion with God, providing a physical representation of prayers and allowing individuals to feel the strength and blessing associated with the symbolism of anointing. It is a way to remind people to be grateful for their faith and their relationship with God and the saints.
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Olive oil as the oil of the sick
The Catholic Church uses olive oil as the oil of the sick during the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick. The oil is blessed by a bishop and then used by a priest or bishop to anoint the sick person's forehead, and perhaps other parts of the body, while reciting prayers. The prayers are for the sick person's recovery, and for God to give them grace, strength, comfort, and peace.
The use of olive oil in this sacrament is based on the Bible, which mentions holy oils and the anointing of the sick. For example, in the book of James, it says: "Is any man sick among you? Let him bring in the priests of the church and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith shall save the sick man. And the Lord shall raise him up: and if he be in sins, they shall be forgiven him." (James 5:14-15). The Bible also mentions that Jesus was anointed with oil, and that he himself anointed the sick with oil and healed them (Acts 10:38, Luke 10:34, Mark 6:13).
In addition to olive oil, there are two other holy oils used by the Catholic Church: chrism oil and the oil of catechumens. Chrism oil is a mixture of olive oil and balsam, and it is used during baptism, confirmation, and ordination rites, as well as for the consecration of churches and altars. The oil of catechumens is also olive oil and is used to anoint adults and infants prior to baptism.
While anointing with oil is a common practice in the Catholic Church, it is not limited to Catholics. Protestants also use anointing oils, although it is less common and is usually done by regular people rather than priests. The practice of anointing with oil is thus a way for Christians of various denominations to connect with God and seek healing and blessing.
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Holy chrism oil
In addition to the Catholic Church, early Christian documents, including those by Theophilus, Tertullian, and Cyril of Jerusalem, discuss the use of chrism. Cyril taught that being "anointed with the Holy anointing oil of God" was the sign of a Christian and that it signified having the Gift of the Holy Spirit. This meaning has been retained in Catholicism and Orthodoxy. Several local rites also allowed for the use of chrism in coronation rites, such as the pre-reformation English coronation rite and the anointing of Napoleon by Pope Pius VII.
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Protestants also use anointing oils
While anointing with oil is a common practice in the Catholic Church, it is not exclusive to Catholics. Protestants also use anointing oils, though not as commonly as Catholics. Anointing with oil is mentioned several times in the Bible, which is a holy text for both Catholics and Protestants.
In the Old Testament, the expected savior of Israel, the Anointed One, was to be anointed with oil as a symbol of God's Spirit. This is also mentioned in the New Testament, where Jesus is anointed with oil as King, Prophet, and Priest. In Luke 10:34, Jesus also anoints the wounds of a victim with oil and wine, bandages them, and cares for them.
Oil is used in prayer to dedicate items or sacrifices to God and to consecrate places of worship. In Exodus, the Jews were instructed to use holy oil to anoint their places of worship and worship tools. David also mentions being anointed with oil by the Lord in the Psalms.
In the Catholic Church, anointing with oil is a sacrament, and it is usually administered by a priest or bishop to the sick or elderly. The oil is typically olive oil, blessed by a bishop, and placed in the form of a cross on the forehead and hands of the person being anointed.
Protestants may use anointing oils during prayer and blessings, but these are usually not done by a priest. Instead, regular people may perform these anointings during prayer and blessings.
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Anointing with oil as a symbol of God's blessing
Anointing with oil is a significant practice in the Catholic Church, where it is considered a holy sacrament. However, it is also observed by other Christian denominations, such as Protestants, albeit less frequently and without the involvement of priests. The act of anointing with oil is deeply rooted in Scripture and is symbolic of God's blessing, healing, and protection.
In the Old Testament, the expected savior of Israel, the Anointed One, was to be consecrated with oil as a symbol of receiving the fullness of God's Spirit. This symbolism is evident in the life of Jesus, who was anointed with oil at his baptism, signifying his role as the Anointed One. Additionally, Jesus himself anointed the sick, demonstrating the healing power associated with this practice.
The New Testament provides further evidence of the significance of anointing with oil. James 5:14–15 is often cited as a foundational text for this practice: "Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will restore the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise them up." Here, the anointing with oil is accompanied by prayer and is believed to bring healing and restoration through God's power.
In Catholic theology, there are three holy oils used in different sacraments: the oil of the catechumens, the chrism oil, and the oil of the sick. The oil of the catechumens is used during baptism to ward off evil and instill faith in those being baptised. Chrism oil, a mixture of olive oil and balsam, symbolises strength and is used during confirmation to signify the gift of the Holy Spirit. It is also used during the ordination of priests and the consecration of churches and altars. The oil of the sick, made from pure olive oil or other blessed plant oils, is used to anoint the sick or elderly, imparting God's grace, strength, and healing.
The physical act of anointing with oil serves as a tangible reminder of God's presence and blessing. It enhances our connection with God and reminds us to be grateful for our faith and our relationship with Him. This practice is not limited to sacraments but can also be used during personal prayer, either for oneself or for praying for others.
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Frequently asked questions
Anointing with oil is a way to remind oneself to be grateful for their faith and their relationship with God and the saints. It is also a way to physically represent what one's prayers are for and is valuable to spiritual growth.
Oil is mentioned several times in the Bible. In Exodus, the Jews were instructed to use a fragrant holy oil to anoint the meeting tent, the Ark of the Covenant, the table, lampstand, and other tools used in worship. David also mentions holy oil in the Psalms, which is how we know that it is relevant to our personal journey with God.
Yes, non-Catholics also anoint with oil for healing. The Bible discusses holy oils and the anointing of the sick multiple times, and while anointing is more common in Catholicism, Protestants also use anointing oils.
