Catholicity

Sacramentology

And they cast out many demons, and anointed with oil many who were sick,
and healed them.
Mark 6, 13

“If some part of your body is suffering…recall the divinely inspired Scripture saying: ‘Is
anyone among you ill? Let him call the presbyters of the Church and let them pray over
him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the
sick man, and the Lord will raise him up, and if he is in sins, they shall be forgiven. And
the prayer of faith will save the sick man, and the Lord will raise him up, and if he is in
sins, they shall be forgiven.”
James 5, 14- 15

My Explications of the Patristic Texts

Hippolytus (c A.D. 215)
Apostolic Tradition, 5

“If someone offers oil, the bishop shall give thanks in the same manner as for the oblation of the
bread and wine. He does not give thanks with the exact words, but quite similar, saying, ‘Sanctify
this oil, God, as you give holiness to all who are anointed and receive it, as you anointed kings,
priests, and prophets, so that it may give strength to all who taste it, and health to all who use it.’”

Hippolytus describes a liturgical practice involving anointing with oil during a religious ceremony, likely rooted in the early Christian tradition. He emphasizes the importance of the bishop’s role in sanctifying the oil, paralleling the ritual of blessing bread and wine during the Eucharistic celebration. The bishop is instructed to give thanks when presented with oil, highlighting gratitude as a central element of worship. This aligns with the broader liturgical practice of offering thanks for sacred elements.

The oil is to be sanctified similarly to how bread and wine are treated in the Eucharist. This indicates that the oil holds significant spiritual importance, symbolizing divine blessing and God’s presence. The specific wording for the blessing is not rigid but suggests a similar intention. The bishop’s prayer calls upon God to impart holiness to the oil, reflecting a desire for it to serve those who receive it.

By referencing the anointing of kings, priests, and prophets, the text connects the practice to biblical traditions, emphasizing its historical and spiritual lineage. This practice bestows authority, protection, and divine favor upon individuals.

Hippolytus concludes with a petition for the oil to provide strength and health to those who use it. This underscores the oil’s function as a spiritual and physical healing tool, reinforcing its role in the community’s well-being. Thus, the text illustrates the reverence of using anointing oil in the context of spiritual leaders and their congregations, linking it to broader themes of sanctity, service, and divine grace.

Origen of Alexandria (A.D. 244)
Homily on Leviticus, 2:4

“In addition to these, there is also a seventh [sacrament], albeit hard and laborious…In this way,
there is fulfilled that too, which the Apostle James says: ‘If then, there is anyone sick, let him call
the presbyters of the Church, and let them impose hands upon him, anointing him with oil in the
name of the Lord; and the prayer of faith will save the sick man, and if he be in sins, they shall be
forgiven him.’”

Origen describes a seventh sacrament that is both challenging and demanding, highlighting a significant spiritual practice within the Christian faith. It references a passage from the Apostle James, emphasizing the importance of community and church leadership in the healing process.

The mention of a seventh sacrament suggests that, while traditional sacraments (like baptism and confirmation) are widely recognized, this sacrament may be viewed as equally important but perhaps less formally acknowledged. The wording “hard and laborious” implies that this sacrament requires effort, both from the individual seeking help and from the church leaders.

Origen emphasizes the role of presbyters (priests) in the church, who are called upon to pray for those who are sick. This establishes the community’s responsibility to care for its members and highlights the authority of church leaders in matters of spiritual and physical well-being.

The act of anointing with oil symbolizes healing and the presence of the Holy Spirit. Oil has historical and biblical significance as a means of consecration and healing, suggesting that this sacrament is not only a ritual but also a spiritually transformative act.

The phrase “prayer of faith” suggests that the power of healing is tied to the sincerity and belief of those praying. It indicates that faith plays a crucial role in the effectiveness of this sacrament, connecting the individual’s deep trust in God with the communal aspect of seeking help.

Origen concludes with the promise of forgiveness for sins, indicating that healing may not only be physical but also spiritual. This reflects the holistic view of health in early Christian theology, whereby spiritual well-being is seen as intertwined with physical well-being.

Overall, the text encourages thoughtful engagement with physical and spiritual care through community support, prayer practice, and recognition of the sacramental nature of healing within the church.

John Chrysostom (A.D. 386)
On the Priesthood, 3:6

“For not only at the time of regeneration, but afterward, they have authority to forgive sins. ‘Is
any sick among you?’ it is said, ‘let him call for the elders of the Church and let them pray over
him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith shall save the sick,
and the Lord will raise him up: and if he has committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.’”

John Chrysostom discusses the authority of church elders (priests) regarding physical healing and the forgiveness of sins within the context of the Church’s teachings.

The mention of the power to forgive sins suggests that this authority isn’t limited to the moment of baptismal regeneration (often understood as being born again or receiving salvation) but continues throughout the believer’s life. This indicates a belief in the ongoing role of church leaders in the spiritual life of their congregation.

Chrysostom emphasizes the importance of calling on elders for those who are sick. This implies a community structure where elders serve as spiritual leaders who provide not only guidance but also practical support in times of illness.

The act of anointing with oil is a traditional practice that symbolizes healing and divine blessing. When coupled with prayer, this gesture signifies a holistic approach to healing, addressing the physical and spiritual dimensions of illness. Chrysostom suggests that a sincere prayer, offered in faith, holds power to bring healing. This places faith at the center of the healing process, highlighting a belief that divine intervention can lead to recovery.

The conclusion of the quote—that if the sick person has committed sins, they shall be forgiven—underscores the interconnectedness of physical and spiritual health in Christian thought. In many interpretations, this suggests that sin can affect one’s physical condition and that seeking healing also involves seeking forgiveness.

Thus, this text highlights the significant responsibility of church elders in believers’ lives, portraying them as mediators of healing and forgiveness, and emphasizing the crucial roles of faith and community support in promoting spiritual and physical well-being.

Ambrose of Milan (A.D. 390)
Penance, 1,8:36

“Why, then, do you lay on hands and believe it to be the effect of the blessing if, perchance, some
sick person recovers? Why do you assume that you can cleanse any from the pollution of the
devil? Why do you baptize if a man cannot remit sins? If baptism is certainly the remission of all
sins, what difference does it make whether priests claim that this power is given to them in
penance or at the font? In each, the mystery is one.”

Ambrose questions the validity and nature of certain religious practices and beliefs, particularly focusing on the rituals of laying on hands, cleansing from evil, and baptism. He raises several critical points.

To begin with, the Bishop of Milan challenges the belief that laying hands on a sick person can lead to healing due to divine blessings. This suggests skepticism about attributing recovery solely to this ritual. He then questions the efficacy of the ritual aimed at cleansing individuals from the influence of evil, specifically the devil, suggesting that the belief in the effectiveness of this practice may be unfounded.

Moreover, Ambrose raises a significant theological question regarding baptism and its role in the remission of sins. Others may argue that if baptism is truly a means by which all sins are forgiven, it becomes irrelevant whether this power to forgive sins is seen as resting with priests during the sacrament of penance or at the moment of baptism, as the underlying mystery is the same.

Overall, the text seems to rhetorically critique the inconsistencies and assumptions within certain religious practices, encouraging a deeper understanding of their significance and implications in the mysteries of the faith. It points to a potential disconnect between ritual actions and their supposed spiritual outcomes, inviting reflection on the nature of faith and the authority of religious figures.

Cyril of Alexandria (A.D. 412)
Worship and Adoration, 6

“If some part of your body is suffering…recall the divinely inspired Scripture saying: ‘Is anyone
among you ill? Let him call the presbyters of the Church and let them pray over him, anointing
him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the sick man, and the Lord
will raise him up, and if he is in sins, they shall be forgiven (James 5:14-15).”

Cyril provides a quotation from the New Testament, specifically from the Book of James, which offers guidance on how to care for those who are ill within a community of believers. The passage emphasizes the importance of seeking spiritual support in times of physical suffering.

The author begins with an instruction for the person who is ill to reach out to the presbyters (or priests) of the Church. This highlights the Church’s role in supporting its members, suggesting that one does not have to face illness alone.

The presbyters are to pray over the sick individual, which underscores the belief in the power of prayer. This act represents a spiritual intervention where the ecclesiastical community seeks God’s help for healing. Anointing with oil symbolizes healing and is often associated with the presence of the Holy Spirit.

The passage emphasizes that “the prayer of faith will save the sick man.” This suggests that faith plays a crucial role in the healing process, both in the one praying and the one being prayed for. It indicates a deep trust in God’s ability to heal.

The last part of the passage implies a connection between physical illness and spiritual well-being. It suggests that if the individual has committed sins, those may also be forgiven, indicating a holistic approach to health that addresses both body and spirit.

Overall, this scriptural text reflects the early Christian belief in the power of communal support, prayer, and divine healing while encouraging believers to turn to their faith in times of trouble. It reinforces the idea that both physical and spiritual needs should be cared for in a supportive church community.

Then He called His twelve disciples together and gave them power and authority
over all demons, and to cure diseases.
Luke 9, 1

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