A Franciscan Prayer to Mark World Aids DayLord, make me an instrument of peace:
What
concrete steps can we take to promote peace and reconciliation in
situations of conflict, violence and sexual exploitation to help reduce
the incidence of HIV/AIDS and promote a culture of peace and
reconciliation?
Where there is hatred, let me sow love:
How
can Franciscans and religious leaders create welcoming communities of
faith for persons living with HIV/AIDS and those affected by AIDS and
eliminate all instances of discrimination and social stigma?
Where there is injury, pardon:
Do
we hold those who are living with HIV/AIDS as evil, immoral persons?
How can we set them free and allow them to discover the face of God in
their current situations?
Where there is division, unity:
Do our fears and prejudices lead us to commit acts of violence against our sisters and brothers living with HIV/AIDS?
Where there is darkness (untruth), light (truth):
Can
we preach and speak about HIV/AIDS openly, exploring its origins, its
impact, and the fears we have about it? Can we begin to speak the truth
in the light, in our parish communities, our religious houses, and
everywhere?
Where there is doubt, true faith:
Can
we reach out to one another, particularly our brothers and sisters
living with HIV/AIDS, in a way that restores faith in God? Can we draw
upon the power of resurrection to remove all fears, fears of contagion
that lead us to reject or withdraw our love and support from persons
living with HIV/AIDS?
Where there is despair, hope:
How
are we fostering communities of hospitality, receptivity, and healing
where our brothers and sisters can find 'home', a place of welcoming and
love.
Where there is sadness, new joy:
Do
we recognize the power and grace in our brothers and sisters living
with HIV/AIDS? Do we allow ourselves to be 'evangelized' and transformed
by the witness of our sisters and brothers living with HIV/AIDS?