Whenever someone is afflicted with a critical or terminal illness, there is always a dilemma that is faced by family members and friends.
The question is whether the sick person should be told about the gravity of his illness and what is going to be done about it.
Yet the knowledge of the reality of the illness can bring about an adverse reaction in that the person may feel too troubled and burdened by it, resulting in a negative situation.
Yet in the 1st reading, we heard of the prophet Isaiah going up to king Hezekiah who was critically ill and telling him bluntly to put his affairs in order because he was going to die.
It must be noted that it was the king who was suffering from a grave and mortal illness and those around him were certainly apprehensive in telling him the truth.
So it was left to the man of God to tell the king the stark truth about his illness and condition.
In the gospel it was the Son of God who had to tell the Pharisees the real meaning of the Sabbath.
The Sabbath was a day to offer worship to God and to give thanks for His love and mercy.
In turn we too must be instruments of God's love and mercy for others.
Hence whenever we are faced with a dilemma or a sensitive situation, we will be able to handle it lovingly and with care for the feelings of others.