Recently, I had a liver biopsy to extract a sample of tissue to determine if I had a recurrence of cancer. The procedure for the liver biopsy was significantly different from the breast biopsy I previously had. With the breast procedure, I had to lie on a table with a hole in it and the radiologist worked below the table. With a local anesthesia, I was unable to feel anything except a little pulling and the only real evidence was the bandages I was required to wear afterwards.

With the liver procedure, I was required to lie on my back with my right hand under my head. I had to be as still as possible. The radiologists used ultrasound technology to identify the correct spot for the biopsy needle to be inserted into the liver. My skin was cleaned, and numbing medicine was injected into the area using a small needle. A small cut was made at spot, and the biopsy needle was inserted. I was told to hold my breath while the biopsy was taken to reduce the chance of damage to my liver. The needle was removed quickly and pressure was applied to stop the bleeding. Like the breast biopsy, a bandage was placed over the insertion site.

Notice the difference. I lay flat on my back and witnessed every aspect of this procedure. When the needle would go in it would literally take my breath away and I could feel a tinge to my spine.

I lay there as this procedure was repeated three times and in my mind I counted one for the Father, one for the Son, one for the Holy Ghost. I kept thinking about all of the discomfort I felt even with the numbing medication. After the procedure I asked about that and was told the discomfort was due to the radiologist having to pierce the entire length of my liver to get to the right spot.

Wow! I began to think about Jesus and a tear fell from my face. He who was without sin took on my sin and the sins of the world that day. I now had this vivid picture of what it must have been like when they pierced Him in the side. And he had no sin and no numbing medication. What great mercy He has shown each of us. I really don’t know why we have such a hard time extending that same mercy to each other. This Easter really reflect on the pain He took on so we don’t have to. I have first hand experience of the piercing-but the pain- I can only imagine!!!