Anointing of the Sick, the sacrament of those who suffer

In the Gospel account, people who wanted to see Jesus went to the disciples, certain that they would be accompanied in their encounter with Him (Jn 12:21b). Today, too, those who dedicate themselves to the catechetical ministry must become disciples of Jesus, in order to communicate and bear witness, in an adult and enlightened way, to all those who seek Him. The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick celebrates life, not death. Its purpose is to revive the heart of the sick, identifying them with Christ, conqueror of suffering and death. This text aims to illuminate the path of illness which, although it is watered by tears of pain, is certainly a path that leads to happiness. Starting from a sociological vision of the reality of suffering, we situate the liberating message of Jesus Christ in relation to pain and to the sick, through the celebratory practice of the ecclesial community and the pastoral concern of the Church in relation to her children, who go through the experience of pain and illness.

DR. VALTER MAURICIO GO

117