The Sacraments of Healing

In the sacramental life of the Church, there are 2 sacraments of healing: reconciliation and anointing of the sick. Although we receive new life in Christ in baptism we are inclined to sin (concupiscence) and are in need of healing from sin. The sacraments of healing help guide us on the way to perfection.

The Sacrament of Reconciliation

Reconciliation is a great gift to us. It gives us liberation from guilt, clears our conscience, and reconciles us to God and to the Church, which is the efficacious grace that results from this sacrament.

The Christian life is a journey of healing. Reconciliation is essential on this journey because it heals sin which causes broken relationships. Holiness is about right relationship with God and with others and when we don’t have that because of sin we are not free. We are healed when we encounter and experience God’s mercy.

After confessing our sins with true contrition, receiving absolution from the priest, and doing penance, we can be assured that our sins are forgiven and wiped away.

Although sometimes difficult, confessing our sins to a priest is liberating. By keeping sins in the dark, we cannot be free. By confessing sins, they no longer have power over us, but we hold the power. Confession also heals our weaknesses and attends to our wounds.

​The Anointing of the Sick

Here is an explanation of the effects of this sacrament:

“When the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick is given, the hoped-for effect is that, if it be God's will, the person be physically healed of illness. But even if there is no physical healing, the primary effect of the sacrament is a spiritual healing by which the sick person receives the Holy Spirit's gift of peace and courage to deal with the difficulties that accompany serious illness or the frailty of old age,” (USCCB).

The anointing of the sick helps us against discouragement as we face the real possibility of death. It is “a preparation for the final journey,” (Catechism, 1523).

The anointing of the sick brings peace and helps a sick person conform to Christ in a deeper way: a sick person is unified with Christ’s saving Passion and participates with him the work of redemption. This sacrament, therefore, also helps to sanctify the whole Church. 

When we receive the sacraments of healing, it is Jesus himself who forgives and anoints through the ministry of the priest. “The priest is the sign and the instrument of God’s merciful love for the sinner,” (Catechism, 1465).

“Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners?” Jesus heard this and said to them, “those who are well do not need a physician, but the sick do. I did not come to call the righteous but sinners,” Mark 2:16-17.