World Aids Day

Tonight I spoke at the World Aids Day 2009 Vigil Downtown. I was honored when I was asked to say a few words this evening. The issue of HIV and AIDS is one that effects each and everyone of us. I am certain that nobody who was there can say that it is an issue that in no way touches them. The over 1 Million people in America, and 33 Million world wide who live in it’s reality each and everyday are faced with the daily challenge to maintain hope, and strive to live healthy lives.

It is easy when discussing this topic to ask “where is God?”, especially as we consider those we have lost. The answer to that question is simple, as I looked out on His face tonight. The flickering candles that were before me are a testimony to those we have lost, as well as a testimony to our ongoing responsibility to the community, and our obligation to educate and work towards HIV prevention. That ongoing dedication is the greatest testimony we can give to the impact in our lives of those we have lost.

Nights like this are an effective reminder that HIV is everyone’s concern. Our level of awareness around this subject must remain acute. And we must never become complacent regarding our responsibilities towards our brothers and sisters. We are reminded tonight very powerfully of the extent to which AIDS affects not only the person who is infected but the people around them.

Informing and educating people is one of the most effective means we have of reducing the spread of the virus. We have come a long way since AIDS first came on the scene. People are far more relaxed and inclined to talk about the disease now than they were then. We know that it is not a death sentence, but a challenge to focus on healthy living, and how precious life truly is. But of course in so many parts of the world there is still a silence surrounding the virus that is driven by fear and suspicion, and that silence can be deadly.

To Quote President Obama;

“Though we have been witness to incredible progress, our struggle against HIV/AIDS is far from over. With an infection occurring every nine-and-a-half minutes in America, there are more than one million individuals estimated to be living with the disease in our country. Of those currently infected, one in five does not know they have the condition, and the majority of new infections are spread by people who are unaware of their own status. HIV/AIDS does not discriminate as it infiltrates neighborhoods and communities. Americans of any gender, age, ethnicity, income, or sexual orientation can and are contracting the disease.”

How true Mr. President, how true indeed. We know however that this about much more then numbers. Each life we have lost was far more then a number. They were husbands, wives, friends, and family. The question before us is what statistic are you and I. Do you know your status, are we tested regularly, are we living responsibly?

Saint Paul teaches us that “we are one body” and “When one part of the body suffers, the entire body suffers.” Our body then, is injured, and we have a universal, and clear obligation to work together towards that body’s health and well being. In the Gospels Jesus healed the ten lepers, and when one returned in Thanksgiving, He was told his faith had healed him. Let's pray that the Lord will smile on the determination of the countless people across the world who are moved to fight for this cause, and pray He will see our faith, and heal this injured body.