I was invited to share a few words and "light the AIDS candle"
at the beginning of the AIDS day commemoration at Hope House
This year's theme "Let communities lead" makes me think of Gospel passages where we see the role of the community in the life of those that are sick. Let us just consider a few that are found at the very beginning of the Gospel of Mark:
- “Simon’s mother-in-law lay sick with a fever. They immediately told him about her” (Mk 1:30)
- "They came bringing to him a paralytic carried by four men" (Mk 2:2)
We are used to passages where the sick person asks Jesus to be healed, like those with a skin disease or the blind man. Here, instead, those that are sick do not say a word. They are brought to Jesus or he is told about them by members of the family or the community.
It is true that the Gospel presents also situations where the community becomes part of the problem. Just think of Luke 18:39 when the blind man shouts calling for Jesus' attention as he hears him passing. Those walking with Jesus tell him to shut down.
Communities such as families, churches, civil society have had a central role in the fight against AIDS. It continues to be so.
As we light the AIDS candle let us thank God for so much that has been achieved in our country. Eswatini is a point of reference to the world in the fight against AIDS.
The partnership between government, NGOs, churches, civil society and families, the love and care of so many has allowed us to reach this moment.
At the same time, our achievements are also fragile and none of us can sit down and relax. The fight is not over.
We pray that the Holy Spirit reminds our communities and each one of us of the role we have in this journey and continues to keep us committed in the fight against AIDS.
