Anointing of the Sick

The sacrament of Anointing of the Sick doesn’t always take away someone’s illness or suffering. Why do you think God allows this? Have you ever experienced something positive coming from an illness? 

According to the United States Catholic Catechism for Adults, the “primary effect” of the Anointing of the Sick is spiritual healing in the form of peace and courage. Have you ever felt peace and courage in the midst of something challenging? Have you ever been inspired by seeing those gifts in someone else? 

One of the components of the Anointing of the Sick is laying on of hands, which is how Jesus healed people. Why do you think he chose to heal people in this way? What are the benefits to it?