Have you ever faced serious illness? What happens when you or someone you love is faced with a terminal disease? How are we to make sense of this?

King Hezekiah was an ancestor of Jesus who lived 700 years before Christ. Hezekiah repaired the Temple, reformed the priesthood and worked hard to rid Judah of idol worship. He was a diligent king.

Yet today we see he has a terminal illness and is faced with death. In such circumstances, Hezekiah decides to pray humbly. He asks the Lord to see that he has been faithful in life and has done what is good.

God answers Hezekiah through the prophet Isaiah. Not only will Hezekiah live, but he will also have 15 more years of life. Further, the powerful Assyrian army will not destroy Jerusalem. The Lord hears Hezekiah's voice and shows mercy.

Jesus speaks of mercy in the Gospel today. Jesus says of God: I desire mercy, not sacrifice (Mt.12:7; Hos.6:6). The mercy we receive from God, we are to share with others.

Mercy says, though you have done wrong and hurt me, I will not condemn you. Out of love, I choose to give you another chance.

Have I felt God's mercy in my life?