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Objection 1: It would seem that olive oil is not a suitable matter
for this sacrament. For this sacrament is ordained immediately to the
state of incorruption. Now incorruption is signified by balsam which
is contained in chrism. Therefore chrism would be a more suitable
matter for this sacrament.
Objection 2: Further, this sacrament is a spiritual healing. Now
spiritual healing is signified by the use of wine, as may be gathered
from the parable of the wounded man (Lk. 10:34). Therefore
wine also would be more suitable a matter for this sacrament.
Objection 3: Further, where there is the greater danger, the
remedy should be a common one. But olive oil is not a common remedy,
since the olive is not found in every country. Therefore, since this
sacrament is given to the dying, who are in the greatest danger, it
seems that olive oil is not a suitable matter.
On the contrary, oil is appointed (James 5:14) as the matter of
this sacrament. Now, properly speaking, oil is none but olive oil.
Therefore this is the matter of this sacrament.
Further, spiritual healing is signified by anointing with oil, as is
evident from Is. 1:6 where we read: " . . . swelling sores:
they are not . . . dressed nor fomented with oil." Therefore the
suitable matter for this sacrament is oil.
I answer that, The spiritual healing, which is given at the end of
life, ought to be complete, since there is no other to follow; it
ought also to be gentle, lest hope, of which the dying stand in utmost
need, be shattered rather than fostered. Now oil has a softening
effect, it penetrates to the very heart of a thing, and spreads over
it. Hence, in both the foregoing respects, it is a suitable matter
for this sacrament. And since oil is, above all, the name of the
liquid extract of olives, for other liquids are only called oil from
their likeness to it, it follows that olive oil is the matter which
should be employed in this sacrament.
Reply to Objection 1: The incorruption of glory is something not
contained in this sacrament: and there is no need for the matter to
signify such a thing. Hence it is not necessary for balsam to be
included in the matter of this sacrament, because on account of its
fragrance it is indicative of a good name, which is no longer
necessary, for its own sake, to those who are dying; they need only a
clear conscience which is signified by oil.
Reply to Objection 2: Wine heals by its roughness, oil by its
softness, wherefore healing with wine pertains to Penance rather than
to this sacrament.
Reply to Objection 3: Though olive oil is not produced everywhere,
yet it can easily be transported from one place to another. Moreover
this sacrament is not so necessary that the dying cannot obtain
salvation without it.
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