Can Anointing of the Sick be repeated, and if so, under what circumstances?

The Anointing of the Sick, historically known as Extreme Unction or Last Rites, holds a profound place within Christian sacramental tradition. This sacred rite is administered to bring spiritual and sometimes physical healing to a person who is ill or near death. But a common question that arises in pastoral care is whether the Anointing of the Sick can be repeated and under what circumstances. To address this query, we must delve into biblical foundations, theological understandings, and pastoral practices.

Biblical Foundations and Theological Understandings

The scriptural basis for the Anointing of the Sick is found primarily in the New Testament. James 5:14-15 says, "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 make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven." This passage not only instructs the early Christian community on caring for the sick but also highlights the sacrament's dual focus on healing and forgiveness.

From a theological perspective, the Anointing of the Sick is understood as a sacrament of healing and a means of conveying God’s grace. It is intended to comfort the ill, help them in overcoming the difficulties associated with sickness, and provide spiritual strength to endure suffering. Importantly, it is a sacrament of the living, fundamentally aimed at spiritual and physical recuperation.

Can the Anointing of the Sick Be Repeated?

The straightforward answer is yes, the Anointing of the Sick can indeed be repeated. This repetition is consistent with the sacrament’s purpose and the nature of human illness. The Catechism of the Catholic Church, a comprehensive book outlining the beliefs of the Catholic faith, states in paragraph 1515, "If a sick person who received this anointing recovers his health, he can in the case of another grave illness receive this sacrament again." Furthermore, it clarifies that during the same illness, the sacrament can be repeated if the illness becomes more serious.

Under What Circumstances Can It Be Repeated?

1. Progression or Worsening of Illness: If a person's condition deteriorates, indicating a significant increase in the seriousness of their illness, the sacrament may be administered again. This is based on the understanding that each new instance of serious illness or each significant turn for the worse in the same illness can spiritually be seen as a new trial requiring fresh grace.

2. Recovery and Recurrence: If a person who has received the Anointing of the Sick recovers but later falls ill again with another serious illness, they can receive this sacrament anew. Each serious illness can be seen as a separate occasion for the need of divine assistance.

3. Different Illness: If a person suffers from a different serious illness, even if it follows closely after recovery from a previous one, the sacrament can be administered again. Each illness is a unique encounter with human frailty and a unique opportunity for divine intervention through the sacrament.

4. Scheduled Surgeries: It is also appropriate for the Anointing of the Sick to be administered before major surgeries due to the serious nature of the operation and the significant risk involved. This is regarded as a new situation of serious illness because of the potential complications and the severity of the procedure.

5. Elderly and Frailty: The elderly, even if not seriously ill, may receive the Anointing of the Sick if they become notably weakened. This acknowledges the vulnerability associated with advanced age and the presence of multiple minor ailments that together constitute a serious health challenge.

Pastoral Considerations

In pastoral practice, the decision to repeat the Anointing of the Sick should always be guided by compassion, the specific circumstances of the person’s illness, and a prayerful discernment of their needs. Pastors and spiritual caregivers must approach each situation with sensitivity to the suffering individual’s physical and spiritual condition, always aiming to administer this sacrament as a source of comfort and strength.

In conclusion, the Anointing of the Sick is a profound sacrament of healing that can be repeated under various circumstances. Its repetition is a recognition of the ongoing human condition in the face of illness and the continual need for God’s grace and healing. As ministers and caregivers, the faithful are called to administer this sacrament with deep compassion and understanding, always seeking to bring the solace and peace of Christ to those in need.