This morning after Mass, I received the sacrament of Anointing of the Sick.
(Little Brother’s a little jealous.)
With surgery scheduled for Friday morning, I was happy to be able to receive this sacrament. And not because of any superstitious or magical kind of reasons. I don’t believe that receiving this sacrament is going to automatically ensure a good outcome.
But listening to the words of the prayers of the sacrament, I was reassured. These prayers were for forgiveness, comfort, relief of anxiety, and the grace needed to face what would be ahead–in addition to prayers for good physical health. It is indeed a very comforting sacrament to receive.
This psalm is not a part of the sacrament, but receiving the sacrament of Anointing of the Sick reminded me of the words of Psalm 23:
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters.
He restores my soul.
He leads me in paths of righteousness
for his name’s sake.Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies;
you anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
all the days of my life,
and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord
forever.
