What is one effect of the Anointing of the Sick?

What is one effect of the Anointing of the Sick?

• A. Gives the ability to perform miracles
• B. Remits all sins regardless of confession
• C. Provides immediate physical healing
• D. Unites sick person's suffering to Christ on the cross, heals sins if confession not possible

Answer: (D)

The key idea is that Anointing of the Sick gives grace to unite the person’s suffering with Christ’s own suffering, and it can provide forgiveness of sins when the person cannot make a confession. This sacrament is focused on spiritual healing and strength— helping the sick endure their trials with grace— and, if confession isn’t possible, it offers reconciliation with God through forgiveness of sins. While physical healing can occur, it is not guaranteed and is not the primary purpose of the rite. So this option best reflects the essential effects: a spiritual union with Christ in suffering and, when confession isn’t possible, forgiveness of sins.

The key idea is that Anointing of the Sick gives grace to unite the person’s suffering with Christ’s own suffering, and it can provide forgiveness of sins when the person cannot make a confession. This sacrament is focused on spiritual healing and strength— helping the sick endure their trials with grace— and, if confession isn’t possible, it offers reconciliation with God through forgiveness of sins. While physical healing can occur, it is not guaranteed and is not the primary purpose of the rite. So this option best reflects the essential effects: a spiritual union with Christ in suffering and, when confession isn’t possible, forgiveness of sins.