UNCTION

In his General Epistle, chapter 5, verses 13 through 16, St. James describes Holy Unction, a Sacrament so often overlooked or ignored. Perhaps, it is overlooked because it has been so much associated with the "Last Rights."

Our Book of Common Prayer provides for Holy Unction of the sick through the anointing with oil and the laying on of hands, calling upon the healing power of the Holy Spirit.

St. James, in his Epistle, addresses the spiritual and physical relationship and its link with the Sacraments and fellowship of the Church. He says:

"...Is one of you ill? He should send for the elders to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. The prayer offered in faith will save the sick man, the Lord will raise him from his bed, and any sins he may have committed will be forgiven. Therefore confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another, and then you will be healed."