P R A Y I N G W I T H T H E C H U R C H
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INTENTION : |
That Christ may ease the physical and spiritual sufferings of those who are sick with AIDS, especially in the poorest countries.
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The World Resources Report takes now into consideration the percentage of people living with AIDS as one of the clues to estimate the future social and economic growth of nations. The agency provides data in collaboration with the World Bank, the U.N. Development Programme, the U.N. Environment Programme and the World Resources Institute. From the current state of AIDS, the pandemic has turned out to be a chronic disease to humankind. Once acquired, HIV and AIDS cannot be cured. They remain with us for life. The use of anti-retroviral drugs with their "Lazarus effect" proved effective indeed in reducing HIV activity and influence in the body as long as you keep taking them. Unfortunately they now raise a whole host of problems relating to their potential side effects, the dangers of resistance and the creation of some unjustified sense of optimism. As for their cost, it is desperate for the poorest countries to afford them.
Heart, spirit, mind and soul make one single reality with the body in men and women infected and affected with AIDS. There is rejoicing in the heart when sick experience relief from physical pain. With the support of donors from richer countries, Christians in the poorest unexpectedly succeed to organize themselves to care for their neighbors who suffer from AIDS. They do it in centers and small Christian communities. When for the sake of forgiveness and reconciliation, medical assistance is provided and social concern is shown towards those living with AIDS, then Christ becomes present in their midst. Peace, charity, wellbeing along with pardon are among those new values of the kingdom he came to proclaim. Christians rely on Christ and see him as the one who listens to the Father, and equally listens to the needs, hopes, joys, anguishes and sorrows of those he redeemed, (Is 50, 4-5).
There is a popular saying, "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure." While caring for the sick, preventive measures should be taken to keep HIV and AIDS away. The bottom line for addressing the pandemic seems education. There is a growing body of proofs and evidence that education protects against HIV infection. The more we provide people with the necessary and relevant education, the less AIDS. The International AIDS Conference opened its 18th session in Vienna on Sunday 18th July 2010. It was told earnestly of innovative methods to check HIV, meaning methods that are less expensive. In its outlook report, the organization asserts that the youth show readiness to be change agents in the prevention revolution.
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