Why did James the Apostle talk about the unction of the sick?

The Church, as a bride, partakes in the pain of those who are sick. So, the priests, the congregation, and the family of the sick person, pray for him so that the person may receive healing of the soul and the body. “Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven” (James 5:14–15). In the unction of the sick, Christ kneels down to pour out His divine love upon the suffering sick person.

The Church prays through the Spirit of her Bridegroom to heal her children, but according to His will and not according to our own personal human will. It could be for the benefit of the sick person, even if his sins were forgiven, to remain in his illness for the sake of his edification, chastisement, or for any other reason according to God’s wisdom. This is what happened with St. Paul in his illness: “‘My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore, most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” (2 Cor. 12:9).

Thus, the Church prays, saying, “You raised up the son of the widow, and the daughter of the ruler from death; and commanded them to rise up; and raised up Lazarus after he had been dead four days from Hades by the authority of Your Godhead; raise up this Your servant from the death of sin , and if You bid him to rise again, give unto him help and assistance that he may please You in his living all the days of his life. And if you bid his soul be taken , grant that by the hands of angels of light he may have power that will save him from the demons of darkness. Translate him into the paradise of joy, that he may be with all the saints; through Your blood with was shed for our salvation, and with which You purchased us for You are the hope of Your servants.”¹⁸¹⁵

1815 First Service , Coptic Rite of the Unction of the Sick.