The words of the old spiritual were a well-suited follow-up to today's anointing of those who felt the need for the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick. The ritual, at least for me, added much to the celebration of the liturgy and our baptismal challenge to reach out to those who needs -- whatever they might be. Our young people were invited to come forward to witness the experience and to let them learn early that the Sacrament is not soley for those about to die but for all who are facing hospitalization or serious illness. Throughout the day, the hymn has been playing itself in my mind ... especially during the 3rd and 4th quarter of the Redskin football game (or embarassment).
