Saturday, November 29, 2008
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Week 34: Passages 1655-1715
Well, I am sadly behind in my readings. But the good news is as you read this I have got my nose in my catechism, catching up!
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Week 33: Passages 1590-1654
Ack, I'm getting behind! Pray for me that I get caught up for next week!
Week 32: Passages1533 - 1589
Ooops! I was out in NJ visiting my mom last weekend and I never got around to posting the week's readings.
I'll be back later today with this week's!
I'll be back later today with this week's!
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Week 31: Passages 1480 - 1532
This week we finish reading about the sacramentof Penance and cover Anointing of the Sick.
XI. The Celebration of the Sacrament of Penance
Penance is a liturgical action. It can take place individually or in a communal framework, with individual confessions. In cases of grave necessity general confession and absolution is allowed.
Article 5: The Anointing of the Sick
I. It's Foundations in the Economy of Salvation
Illness and suffering have always been among the gravest problems confronted by humans. Illness can lead to self absorption, self pity and turning away from God, or it can make us realize what is really important and turn towards God.
In the Old Testament illness is linked to sin, and having faith in God brings healing.
Christ healed many, his healing were a sign of the coming of the kingdom of God. Christ took on our sins and bore our infirmaries. His death on the cross brought a new meaning to suffering, linking it with his redemptive Passion.
The Holy Spirit gives to some the special charism of healing. But even the most fervent prayers sometimes do not heal. In the words of St. Paul:
There is a special sacrament for strengthening the sick: The Anointing of the Sick.
II. Who Receives and Who Administers This Sacrament?
Anyone suffering a grave illness can receive this sacrament. If a person recovers it can be received again. Only priests can administer it.
III. How is This Sacrament Celebrated?
This sacrament can be preceded by penance and followed by the Eucharist, and can take place anywhere for an individual or a group. The priests lay their hands on the sick and pray over them with the faith of the Church, then anoint them with blessed oil.
IV. The Effects of the Celebration of this Sacrament
V. Viaticum the Last Sacrament of the Christian
In addition to Anointing of the Sick those who are about to die are offered viaticum, the Eucharist. Received as they are passing over this Eucharist has a particular significance. The Eucharist is here the sacrament of passing over from death to life.
It can be said that Penance, Anointing of the Sick, and the Eucharist as viaticum are the sacraments that prepare us for our heavenly homeland as we complete our earthly pilgrimage.
Questions for Reflection
As much as I don't like to think about sickness and death, I found these readings comforting. The Church really has it all covered! A sacrament for ever occasion...
XI. The Celebration of the Sacrament of Penance
Penance is a liturgical action. It can take place individually or in a communal framework, with individual confessions. In cases of grave necessity general confession and absolution is allowed.
Article 5: The Anointing of the Sick
I. It's Foundations in the Economy of Salvation
Illness and suffering have always been among the gravest problems confronted by humans. Illness can lead to self absorption, self pity and turning away from God, or it can make us realize what is really important and turn towards God.
In the Old Testament illness is linked to sin, and having faith in God brings healing.
Christ healed many, his healing were a sign of the coming of the kingdom of God. Christ took on our sins and bore our infirmaries. His death on the cross brought a new meaning to suffering, linking it with his redemptive Passion.
The Holy Spirit gives to some the special charism of healing. But even the most fervent prayers sometimes do not heal. In the words of St. Paul:
"' My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect inThe Church strives to carry out its charge to heal the sick, through her belief in the life giving power of Christ. This presence is particularly active through the sacraments, especially the Eucharist.
weakness,' and that sufferings to be endured can mean that 'in my flesh I
complete what is lacking in Christ's afflictions for the sake of his Body, that
is, the Church.'" (CCC 1508).
There is a special sacrament for strengthening the sick: The Anointing of the Sick.
II. Who Receives and Who Administers This Sacrament?
Anyone suffering a grave illness can receive this sacrament. If a person recovers it can be received again. Only priests can administer it.
III. How is This Sacrament Celebrated?
This sacrament can be preceded by penance and followed by the Eucharist, and can take place anywhere for an individual or a group. The priests lay their hands on the sick and pray over them with the faith of the Church, then anoint them with blessed oil.
IV. The Effects of the Celebration of this Sacrament
- A particular gift of the Holy Spirit- peace, courage and strength against temptation, and forgiveness of sins
- Union with the passion of Christ
- An ecclesial grace - the sick person contributes to the good of the People of God by uniting himself to Christ
- A preparation for the final journey
V. Viaticum the Last Sacrament of the Christian
In addition to Anointing of the Sick those who are about to die are offered viaticum, the Eucharist. Received as they are passing over this Eucharist has a particular significance. The Eucharist is here the sacrament of passing over from death to life.
It can be said that Penance, Anointing of the Sick, and the Eucharist as viaticum are the sacraments that prepare us for our heavenly homeland as we complete our earthly pilgrimage.
Questions for Reflection
As much as I don't like to think about sickness and death, I found these readings comforting. The Church really has it all covered! A sacrament for ever occasion...
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