The Arena Reflection | Holy Unction
Apr 10, 2026
A Paschal reflection on holy unction framed by the church as a spiritual hospital. Discussion of unction’s purpose for healing body and soul and its place in Holy Week liturgy. Explanations of when and how unction is served, its ritual structure, and the priestly role in conveying healing. Promises a follow-up on why not everyone is healed.
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Church As Spiritual Hospital
- The Church functions as a spiritual hospital treating soul and body like the wounded man in the Good Samaritan parable.
- Fr. Josiah links robbers to demons, the Samaritan to Christ, and the inn to the Church with priests as caretakers, framing sacraments as curative care.
Parishioners Who Become Medical Experts
- As a pastor Fr. Josiah observed parishioners become expert researchers when loved ones are physically ill.
- He contrasts that devotion with how rarely people apply the same energy to heal the soul from sin and passions.
Prioritize Soul Healing Over Physical Fixes
- Prioritize healing the soul over the body because spiritual health guarantees eternal bodily health in Christian hope.
- Fr. Josiah urges Christians to invest time and effort in spiritual restoration as they would for serious physical illness.