The reflection below is written by Vickie Machado and excerpted from our Advent-Christmas 2020 reflection booklet (still available as a download for your e-reader). Vickie is a former member of the Gainesville (FL) Catholic Worker and a member of the leadership team of Eco-Stewards, a creative community that shapes, inspires and connects young adult leaders through storytelling and place-based pilgrimages focused on faith and the environment.
reflection for world aids day, first tuesday of advent, DECEMBER 1
by Vickie Machado
~World AIDS Day~
Isaiah 11:1-10 | Luke 10:21-24
“Blessed are the eyes that see what you see. For I say to you, many prophets and rulers desired to see what you see, but did not see it, and to hear what you hear, but did not hear it.” (Lk 10:24)
Jesus speaks these words to his disciples after having sent them out into towns to proclaim the reign of God. Along the way, they must have encountered a wide range of people, including people who lived with debilitating diseases, perhaps some so severe that it impacted every aspect of their lives.
Today, diseases have not left our communities. While technology and treatments are more advanced, sickness continues to paint a different way of life for those impacted by them, weighing heavy on bodies, minds, and souls.
On this World AIDS Day, it is important to remember those who continue to live with HIV. According to the World Health Organization, by the end of 2019, 38 million people in the world were living with HIV. As a major global public health issue, it has claimed 33 million lives. In a world that often does not hear nor see people living with HIV/AIDS, it is important to uphold their perspectives and outlooks, recognizing they are not alone as we push for a cure.
What can you do to support the lives and insights of those living with AIDS?
Find more reflections at our Advent 2020 webpage.