VATICAN CITY, FEB 27, 2002 (VIS) - Today in the general audience which took place in the Paul VI Hall, the Holy Father spoke about the Canticle of the Prophet Hezekiah, "Anguish of the dying, joy of the healed."
The Pope explained that the two distinct parts of the Canticle "describe the two typical moments of prayers of thanksgiving: on the one hand, the nightmare of suffering from which Our Lord has freed his faithful, and on the other hand, a joyful hymn of thanksgiving for the new life and salvation which God has given".
King Hezekiah, afflicted with a serious illness, raised his lament to God and the Lord heard his prayer and prolonged his life. "A prayer of thanksgiving then arose from the heart of the king".
"The Canticle of Hezekiah," continued John Paul II, "takes on a whole new meaning if read with Easter in mind. ... Above all, with the death and resurrection of the Son of God, Jesus Christ, a seed of eternity is planted and grows in our mortality".
The Pope indicated that the Canticle of Hezekiah "invites us to reflect on our fragile condition as created beings. ... In times of sickness and suffering it is proper to raise cries of lament to the Lord for, as Hezekiah teaches us, He hears us and is not indifferent to our tears."
He concluded by saying: "The Lord is not indifferent to the tears of those who are suffering, and although His ways do not always coincide with our own hopes, He responds, consoles and saves. This is what Hezekiah confesses in the end, inviting everyone to hope, pray and trust in the Lord, knowing that God does not abandon His people."
AG;CANTICLE HEZEKIAH;...;...;VIS;20020227;Word: 290;
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