World AIDS Day

Dear Friends in Christ -

Today is World AIDS Day. Truth is, we haven't been hearing so much about AIDS these days - not nearly so much as in the '80s, when the disease had started to ravage communities in the US and around the world and there was so much fear because we didn't even have a name for it, much less a way to fight it. Now that we know that HIV/AIDS is a communicable, preventable disease, much is being done to stop it before it even gets started. But HIV/AIDS is still ravaging peoples lives in this country, and whole communities in Africa and other parts of the world. In many African countries, nearly a whole generation of people (around my age, actually) have been killed by the disease, leaving not only hundreds of thousands of orphans, but also a lack of community leadership and able-bodied people to work to sustain families.

Whether or not we know someone with AIDS, we have a part to play. To give. To raise awareness - even in our own families - of what can be done to prevent the disease. To pray.

A PRAYER
God, we lift up all those suffering from HIV and AIDS; bring your healing and restoration to their bodies. Help us to do our part in ministering in loving care, support, and patience for your people who suffer with HIV and AIDS. Lead us to do whatever it will take to eradicate this illness from the lives of those who are touched by it, both directly and indirectly. Trusting in you and the strength of your Spirit, we pray these things in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Adapted from a prayer by National African American Catholic HIV/AIDS Task Force

Faithfully,
Janet+