In sickness, man experiences his helplessness. In the Anointing of the Sick, Jesus cleanses the sick person from sin and gives the strength to overcome the difficulties that accompany serious illness and the frailty of old age. In this way the sick are united with the passion of Christ.
Finally, this sacrament perfects the anointings of Baptism and Confirmation and fortifies the sick person in his final journey to meet the Lord, and sometimes Jesus uses this sacrament to physically heal the sick person.