Assessment of Religious Knowledge (ARK) Practice Exam 2025 - Free ARK Practice Questions and Study Guide

The Anointing of the Sick is a sacramental rite in many Christian traditions, particularly within the Catholic Church, that is specifically aimed at providing grace, strength, and comfort to individuals who are seriously ill or facing the challenges of dying. This sacrament is rooted in biblical tradition and serves to facilitate spiritual healing and reassurance during times of suffering.

By anointing the forehead and hands of the individual with blessed oil, the priest invokes the Holy Spirit to bestow divine presence and support upon the sick or dying person. This act not only acknowledges the physical illness but also emphasizes the spiritual dimension, offering peace, hope, and the grace necessary to confront their condition.

In that light, while other options may touch on aspects of healing or blessing, only the chosen answer encapsulates the core intent of the Anointing of the Sick as a source of spiritual sustenance and comfort in the face of serious illness or death.