Another area of concern is the act of lay individuals anointing each other with consecrated oil. Although there is broad acceptance of this practice, the worry is that it closely mirrors the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick, leading to genuine confusion among many regarding what is truly occurring.

That being said, consecrated olive oil may be utilized by the faithful in a manner similar to holy water or blessed salt. Clearly, it is not to be scattered about, but individuals can apply it to a painful hand or arm, or they might, for instance, anoint the doorframe of a house or room, a bedpost, a sacred statue, etc., to invite blessings and repel malevolence. Additionally, since it is olive oil, it can also be ingested by believers, akin to blessed salt. Some individuals, for instance, take a small teaspoon with a dash of blessed salt to bestow comforting blessings and healing when experiencing chronic digestive issues. Others incorporate a little bit of blessed oil with bread for similar ends. Undoubtedly, blessed oil should not be used indiscriminately like standard olive oil, but drizzling a small quantity over a salad for the religious intent of invoking blessings, healing, or protection against evil is entirely appropriate.

Concerning the practice of laying on of hands that could potentially result in possession, there have been accounts of this. Nonetheless, such instances are infrequent. Certainly, one should not casually allow unknown individuals to pray on their behalf. These persons, whether intentionally or unintentionally, might risk exposing themselves to malevolent spirits or misguided religious ideologies or superstitions. Conversely, when fellow Catholics and Christians engage in prayer for one another, it is unlikely to serve as a pathway for malign influence. Nevertheless, reliability is a crucial element when participating in communal prayer.

‘Eternal rest’

Question: In our supplications, we request that the spirits of the devout departed find tranquility. “Eternal rest” seems to imply that there isn’t much joy and bliss in paradise.

— Rex Gogerty, via email

Answer: “Rest” does not refer to sleep in this context. It signifies liberation from one’s toil and from the fluctuations of a tiring world. When God “rested” on the seventh day of creation, he did not simply snooze. Instead, he took pleasure in the outcomes of his creative endeavors. We, too, are instructed to rest on the Sabbath (which we observe on Sunday) — meaning, we should avoid unnecessary labor and dedicate time to relish our families and the rewards of our work.

Regarding the term “eternal,” it does not solely refer to the span or extent of something. Instead, it represents the completeness of something. Thus, “eternal life” does not simply imply living endlessly; it denotes experiencing the fullness of life.

Thus, in paradise, we shall be fully alive and liberated from weights, griefs, and obstacles. We will experience joys beyond words and glories yet to be revealed.

Sacred oils

Question: What actions do the priests take regarding the unutilized holy oils from the previous year?

— Melody Marshall, via email

Answer: The blessed oils (chrism, oil of the sick, and oil of catechumens) are to be disposed of correctly by incinerating them. Alternatively, they can be interred on church property in a respectable location where foot traffic is minimal. They need to be buried sufficiently deep so that they do not surface. Regarding the containers and bottles in which they are held, these should be washed with warm soapy water, and the water should be poured into a designated sink known as the sacrarium, which does not lead to the sewer but rather to a dry well beneath the church.

Msgr. Charles Pope is the pastor of Holy Comforter-St. Cyprian in Washington, D.C., and writes for the Archdiocese of Washington, D.C. at blog.adw.org. Send questions to msgrpope@osv.com.