During the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick, through the ministry of the priest, Jesus Christ provides spiritual healing as well as the grace to endure and heal from a physical ailment. Let us the look at the various Biblical references of the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick.

Anointing the Sick Instituted by Christ and the Mission of the Twelve

Jesus Christ instituted the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick and he instructed his disciples to anoint the sick.  The Mission of the twelve disciples are described in Mark Chapter 6, versus 7-13.

“He called the twelve and began to send them out two by two, and gave them authority over the unclean spirits.” (Mark 6:7)

The disciples travelled around and proclaimed the good news. The scripture verse also says they cast out demons and they anointed the sick with oil and the sick were cured!

 “So they went out and proclaimed that all should repent” (Mark 6:12)

“They cast out many demons, and anointed with oil many who were sick and cured them.” (Mark 6:13)

Apostles Anointed the Sick

In the book James, the apostle further emphasizes that the sick should summon the elders of the church. The priests will pray and anoint the sick with oil in the name of Jesus. The prayers will heal the sick and sins will be forgiven.

“Are any among you sick? They should call for the elders of the church and have them pray over them, anointing them with oil in the name of the Lord. The prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise them up; and anyone who has committed sins will be forgiven. “(James 5: 14-15)