WHAT! JESUS IS INFECTED WITH HIV-AIDS!!!!
WHAT? JESUS’ BODY IS INFECTED WITH HIV/AIDS!
I was invited to participate in a three-day workshop on PASTORAL CARE ON HIV/AIDS FOR PRIESTS AND RELIGIOUS, which was sponsored by the Health Desk and Home-based Care at Chikhungu Pastoral Centre. It was participated by Priests, Sisters and Brothers. We were 36 participants including the Bishop of Chipata Diocese, George Lungu. He was then wearing a white shirt with prints: “RESPONSIBLE LEADERS KEEP THEIR PROMISE AND LEAD BY EXAMPLE.” There was a special guest, whom we just called Cecy, a forty-five year old woman, an HIV/AIDS fighter but also HIV/AIDS positive. The purpose of the workshop was for us, at the end, to be able to draft a Diocesan Health Policy, which may take a possible view of any priests and Religious brothers and sisters to be contacted with the virus, either from family blood, ministry and pastoral works or infidelity. I was very touched of the question of our Pastoral Coordinator, asking us all: What would be our reaction when we see our fellow priests, brothers and sisters dying with HIV/AIDS? What does HIV/AIDS pandemic is telling us theologically? Isn’t it very alarming?
In Zambia, HIV/AIDS prevalence is almost twice as high in Urban as in rural areas. Of 2,073 women aged 15-46 tested for HIV, 17.8% were positive. Of 1,734 men tested, 12.9% were positive. It is said that in Zambia, out of 11million people, there are about 1.2million people reported, infected with the Virus, and yet, there are still more who are in hiding, some are infected but not aware and some died who are not reported. In some other places, there are constant increases of infections, especially to women who are still in their reproduction stage. According to Dr. Alan Chisenga (Sorry, I am not sure of the correct spelling), some factors involved are local or traditional beliefs, Illiteracy and lack of proper education, stigma and discrimination, socio-economic and gender. He said that HIV/AIDS can be prevented by Abstinence, Being Faithful (as multiple sexual partners increase the chance of acquiring HIV), and use of condom (which was a battle of debate) and the proper use of drugs.
The Bishop started in his introductory little message: “How do you feel?” He added that today, there is a spiritual battle, emotional and psychological sufferings. And it is very alarming; all of us, people of God are targets of HIV/AIDS. Innocent children are potential targets, much more the priests and Religious brothers and sisters. People know that we are human beings, that there is arousal and need. Many people are innocently led into sin. By a short stroke, the bishop mentioned on the use of mobile phones, which is slowly implanting in us the sense of out-of-focus, we send and receive messages which have inner intentions, and it created in us a need. He further added our ‘humanness’, the longing for relationship. Now, the question remains: What does it mean for us to be committed to the Lord? What does it mean to recognize our own senses, community life, celibate life etc? He closed his little introduction with these invitations: Change of attitude towards life, more responsibility and to be real witnesses of the stigma.
As the doctor was explaining the medical side of HIV/AIDS, my mind was also recollecting of the many instances I met people completely sick and dying with the virus, the skinny and bonny bodies, walking skeletons, dark spots on their faces, the complication with tuberculosis, meningitis, diarrhoea, constant discharge, passing blood and the smelly bodies. I never thought of these before, but I was so horrified after hearing the doctor. Poverty is a factor of transmission aside from religious issues. On the top of these, it created discrimination in the community and self-discrimination. Others don’t look good anymore, so they need proper care and support.
Home-based Care is a Non-Government Organization in the diocese. It is a program for provision of care and support for clients (Infected and affected with HIV/AIDS) in their environment. The care and support include medical, physical, psychological, spiritual and material. We discussed the importance of Voluntary Counselling and Testing (VCT), especially knowing the status of the person and help him to have a positive living, then get a good medication and to minimized the transmission of the virus. The person then can have a peace of mind and be able to protect himself/herself.
Though there were negative sides mentioned, such as fear and stigma, one could live a careless lifestyle after knowing the status, others could waste resources (I will die after all), loss of vocation and discrimination and etc., It is still felt that there is more meaning in having VCT. The diocese of Chipata is very concerned now of the status of people, priests and religious, thereby, proposing some training personnel from our group to be able to assist properly. There are a lot of plans laid down for the future, workshops and trainings, hospices, counselling and more, which are more geared to the future of our diocese. I find this move meaningful but also alarming as if it is already there amongst priests and Religious.
We travelled back of the culture of people, which was a sharing and reflection of Fr. Mark Kaingo. He started saying that God is giving us a treasure which is intended for good use, but meanwhile, the treasure is lost and it has to be recovered. He was very specific in cultures, like Nsenga, Chewa, Tumbuka and Kunda, of which the topic on sexuality is like a taboo, heavily restricted to certain age groups. Sexuality is a fire of life which should not be played upon. He said that traditional sexuality is sacred and therefore, should be respected. It is a powerful tool to promote life, not to abuse life. For example, in local traditions, there is always a separation of boys and girls and their roles in the house and community. Virginity is emphasized and so, traditional initiations were strengthened. He reflected further, that at present society, the village or community is already infected with HIV/AIDS, leading to death and destruction. Traditional view has been challenged heavily. In the same way, lifestyle is emphasized on individual freedom and ends on materialism. There is lack of seriousness. With the presence of modern techniques, videos, phones and films, youth are starting to grave for many things, including sexual pressures.
On the side of priests and religious, there is unlimited freedom too. And I was really reflecting on this through and through. Many have no proper guidance as they move for their own assignments. At times, prayer is reduced and spiritual direction is left. In a sense, there is carelessness and personal efforts are missing. Fr. Mark said that today: there is a strong loss of collective consciousness, no reference, no guiding principles. People often move where they like without asking permission. He jokingly but also seriously added: We use phones and radios without respecting others. There is a desire to be anybody else. Our being priests, brothers and sisters are like second hand cloth, we want to have the latest model of everything. Isn’t it a pity? It is indeed. First and foremost, we donated our bodies for the sake of the kingdom of God, but today, many of us build our own kingdoms, to meet our own goals, not His Goal. There is a need! We want satisfaction! If we don’t have the resources, what are going to do??? From these, a poor priest or brother and sister, who want to answer his/her needs, may do something harmful. How can we run away from HIV/AIDS? We would like to live only for today, not for the future. We lack proper planning. There is complacency in Religious and Celibate life, and oftentimes, we are not true to ourselves. What is then our prophetic role as priests and Religious? The more I was led into deep thinking. We often talk the correct reading of the signs of the times and proper discernment, yet we move on the other direction. Are we really relevant to the present situation of our people? How?
I have entitled this short reflection in a surprising line: WHAT? JESUS’ BODY IS INFECTED WITH AIDS? I reflected on humanity, the Church, the spouse of Christ, the Holy Body of the Temple, now in real suffering and pains. The Body of Christ is infected with HIV/AIDS. Today, the Church of Christ is living in infidelity and abuse of the body. But Fr. Cleophas Lungu said: “Today is the time of HIV/AIDS, but today, is also the time of the Kairos, a moment of truth, as people are struggling to be how they are and who they are going to be. Today is the moment of grace, there is an encounter with Jesus on the face of our brothers and sisters who are suffering of HIV/AIDS. Today is the moment to administer peace and love. Today is an opportune time for us to become channels of compassion and love.”
Isn’t it beautiful? HIV/AIDS pandemic is challenging our definition of God as a loving Father. Some said that it also challenges the salvific acts of Jesus as Saviour; it challenges our understanding of the sacraments, especially on marriage, the goals of procreation and fidelity. Today, I really feel that HIV/AIDS is no longer a medical crisis; it is a crisis of our faith. Yet, Fr. Lungu said strongly that Jesus’ response to suffering was always compassion and love. He said that what we are call to do is perhaps to share the Cross of Christ. “There is a vocation (not philosophical- Why? Why?), to show that our suffering is connected to the Cross of the Lord.” But how can we claim that Jesus is our personal saviour when amongst us are people suffering and dying of HIV/AIDS? Fr. Lungu answered beautifully: “Ireneaus said: God created us without us, but he cannot save us without our involvement.” Are we, as priests, brothers and sisters willing to participate in this plan of God? Such a heavy question to reflect! I was so touched with this line. He added then: “Our suffering is a continuation in what Jesus did to save the world, and our commitment is our personal involvement.”
I was deeply moved by the responses of the group when we were asked to do some creative imagination on ‘what could be the words of Jesus for you as a priest, brother or sister living with HIV/AIDS positive. Others have answered it beautifully: Jesus would probably say ‘I am deeply moved by your situation.” It speaks clearly of the loving and compassionate God. Others said: “What do you want me to do for you?” I recalled many instances when Jesus meet the blind man, the other sick people who were begging for healing. Others said: I assure you my great love. You are precious in my eyes.” I recall of the many times Jesus looking intently and lovingly on many sick people- ‘I have not come nor for the well but to those who are in need of a doctor.’ I love most of the line “Have courage for I am with you always.” For me, Jesus never gets tired of telling everybody His love and compassion. He is a tender loving God, but Fr. Cleophas said: Jesus is also tough minded and He puts force in His words. His love challenges conversion and change. “He is not offering cheap life, for sickness is not just a matter of the body, but it is also related to one’s behaviour.”
Bishop Gorge Lungu re-echoed what the Bishops in Africa have reflected. We should tell those who are infected and affected with the HIV/AIDS virus, “We are in solidarity with you.” “Let us be true to ourselves.” “Let us be responsible” and “Let us change our behaviours.” He said, HIV/AIDS is real and we should be open to tell it to our community, to encourage the community to have a positive attitude towards the infected ones. As I was seeing the situation in this country, I really feel and strongly urge the government and all people for proper education, to be able to respond the needs of the infected and affected, but to let people know the devastating effect of our behaviours towards sex. The church is always calling for the change of heart. Moral, spiritual and pastoral issues are to be re-enforced. We have to realize that all of us has these needs because as priests and religious, we always look ourselves as pastoral agents, not accepting that we need ourselves pastoral care.
Fr. Cleophas Lungu, recapped his sharing with the Theological virtues of faith, hope and charity, ‘that we must fight the HIV/AIDS pandemic with hope and charitable compassion. He added the cardinal and moral virtues of courage, prudence, temperance and justice. As people of God, we should have the courage to go and search our infected and affected brothers and sisters; to come out to the open and to confront our lives. Prudence in the sense of answering our sexual longings. “Alcohol induced sex” and if we are not prudent enough to say no, we are led into another trouble. Temperance, to control ourselves, to abstain and then to be just, not ruining lives of others.
The Bishop, in his last words, said: If we have no roots with the High Priest, our chance of survival is low. Jesus is very soft with us (love and compassion), but we are rough sometimes with our brothers and sisters.” It is true, there is no worse rejection than to be rejected by our own brothers and sisters. He gave an example on Zacchaeus, who was transformed completely by Jesus’ acceptance of him as a public sinner. ‘Then there was a new release of energy to do good.’ And I close my reflection: We are always reflections of hope. God always sees and He never ignores our strivings.
I hope and pray that you are all right. Keep all my love and prayers. FR. RAUL
I was invited to participate in a three-day workshop on PASTORAL CARE ON HIV/AIDS FOR PRIESTS AND RELIGIOUS, which was sponsored by the Health Desk and Home-based Care at Chikhungu Pastoral Centre. It was participated by Priests, Sisters and Brothers. We were 36 participants including the Bishop of Chipata Diocese, George Lungu. He was then wearing a white shirt with prints: “RESPONSIBLE LEADERS KEEP THEIR PROMISE AND LEAD BY EXAMPLE.” There was a special guest, whom we just called Cecy, a forty-five year old woman, an HIV/AIDS fighter but also HIV/AIDS positive. The purpose of the workshop was for us, at the end, to be able to draft a Diocesan Health Policy, which may take a possible view of any priests and Religious brothers and sisters to be contacted with the virus, either from family blood, ministry and pastoral works or infidelity. I was very touched of the question of our Pastoral Coordinator, asking us all: What would be our reaction when we see our fellow priests, brothers and sisters dying with HIV/AIDS? What does HIV/AIDS pandemic is telling us theologically? Isn’t it very alarming?
In Zambia, HIV/AIDS prevalence is almost twice as high in Urban as in rural areas. Of 2,073 women aged 15-46 tested for HIV, 17.8% were positive. Of 1,734 men tested, 12.9% were positive. It is said that in Zambia, out of 11million people, there are about 1.2million people reported, infected with the Virus, and yet, there are still more who are in hiding, some are infected but not aware and some died who are not reported. In some other places, there are constant increases of infections, especially to women who are still in their reproduction stage. According to Dr. Alan Chisenga (Sorry, I am not sure of the correct spelling), some factors involved are local or traditional beliefs, Illiteracy and lack of proper education, stigma and discrimination, socio-economic and gender. He said that HIV/AIDS can be prevented by Abstinence, Being Faithful (as multiple sexual partners increase the chance of acquiring HIV), and use of condom (which was a battle of debate) and the proper use of drugs.
The Bishop started in his introductory little message: “How do you feel?” He added that today, there is a spiritual battle, emotional and psychological sufferings. And it is very alarming; all of us, people of God are targets of HIV/AIDS. Innocent children are potential targets, much more the priests and Religious brothers and sisters. People know that we are human beings, that there is arousal and need. Many people are innocently led into sin. By a short stroke, the bishop mentioned on the use of mobile phones, which is slowly implanting in us the sense of out-of-focus, we send and receive messages which have inner intentions, and it created in us a need. He further added our ‘humanness’, the longing for relationship. Now, the question remains: What does it mean for us to be committed to the Lord? What does it mean to recognize our own senses, community life, celibate life etc? He closed his little introduction with these invitations: Change of attitude towards life, more responsibility and to be real witnesses of the stigma.
As the doctor was explaining the medical side of HIV/AIDS, my mind was also recollecting of the many instances I met people completely sick and dying with the virus, the skinny and bonny bodies, walking skeletons, dark spots on their faces, the complication with tuberculosis, meningitis, diarrhoea, constant discharge, passing blood and the smelly bodies. I never thought of these before, but I was so horrified after hearing the doctor. Poverty is a factor of transmission aside from religious issues. On the top of these, it created discrimination in the community and self-discrimination. Others don’t look good anymore, so they need proper care and support.
Home-based Care is a Non-Government Organization in the diocese. It is a program for provision of care and support for clients (Infected and affected with HIV/AIDS) in their environment. The care and support include medical, physical, psychological, spiritual and material. We discussed the importance of Voluntary Counselling and Testing (VCT), especially knowing the status of the person and help him to have a positive living, then get a good medication and to minimized the transmission of the virus. The person then can have a peace of mind and be able to protect himself/herself.
Though there were negative sides mentioned, such as fear and stigma, one could live a careless lifestyle after knowing the status, others could waste resources (I will die after all), loss of vocation and discrimination and etc., It is still felt that there is more meaning in having VCT. The diocese of Chipata is very concerned now of the status of people, priests and religious, thereby, proposing some training personnel from our group to be able to assist properly. There are a lot of plans laid down for the future, workshops and trainings, hospices, counselling and more, which are more geared to the future of our diocese. I find this move meaningful but also alarming as if it is already there amongst priests and Religious.
We travelled back of the culture of people, which was a sharing and reflection of Fr. Mark Kaingo. He started saying that God is giving us a treasure which is intended for good use, but meanwhile, the treasure is lost and it has to be recovered. He was very specific in cultures, like Nsenga, Chewa, Tumbuka and Kunda, of which the topic on sexuality is like a taboo, heavily restricted to certain age groups. Sexuality is a fire of life which should not be played upon. He said that traditional sexuality is sacred and therefore, should be respected. It is a powerful tool to promote life, not to abuse life. For example, in local traditions, there is always a separation of boys and girls and their roles in the house and community. Virginity is emphasized and so, traditional initiations were strengthened. He reflected further, that at present society, the village or community is already infected with HIV/AIDS, leading to death and destruction. Traditional view has been challenged heavily. In the same way, lifestyle is emphasized on individual freedom and ends on materialism. There is lack of seriousness. With the presence of modern techniques, videos, phones and films, youth are starting to grave for many things, including sexual pressures.
On the side of priests and religious, there is unlimited freedom too. And I was really reflecting on this through and through. Many have no proper guidance as they move for their own assignments. At times, prayer is reduced and spiritual direction is left. In a sense, there is carelessness and personal efforts are missing. Fr. Mark said that today: there is a strong loss of collective consciousness, no reference, no guiding principles. People often move where they like without asking permission. He jokingly but also seriously added: We use phones and radios without respecting others. There is a desire to be anybody else. Our being priests, brothers and sisters are like second hand cloth, we want to have the latest model of everything. Isn’t it a pity? It is indeed. First and foremost, we donated our bodies for the sake of the kingdom of God, but today, many of us build our own kingdoms, to meet our own goals, not His Goal. There is a need! We want satisfaction! If we don’t have the resources, what are going to do??? From these, a poor priest or brother and sister, who want to answer his/her needs, may do something harmful. How can we run away from HIV/AIDS? We would like to live only for today, not for the future. We lack proper planning. There is complacency in Religious and Celibate life, and oftentimes, we are not true to ourselves. What is then our prophetic role as priests and Religious? The more I was led into deep thinking. We often talk the correct reading of the signs of the times and proper discernment, yet we move on the other direction. Are we really relevant to the present situation of our people? How?
I have entitled this short reflection in a surprising line: WHAT? JESUS’ BODY IS INFECTED WITH AIDS? I reflected on humanity, the Church, the spouse of Christ, the Holy Body of the Temple, now in real suffering and pains. The Body of Christ is infected with HIV/AIDS. Today, the Church of Christ is living in infidelity and abuse of the body. But Fr. Cleophas Lungu said: “Today is the time of HIV/AIDS, but today, is also the time of the Kairos, a moment of truth, as people are struggling to be how they are and who they are going to be. Today is the moment of grace, there is an encounter with Jesus on the face of our brothers and sisters who are suffering of HIV/AIDS. Today is the moment to administer peace and love. Today is an opportune time for us to become channels of compassion and love.”
Isn’t it beautiful? HIV/AIDS pandemic is challenging our definition of God as a loving Father. Some said that it also challenges the salvific acts of Jesus as Saviour; it challenges our understanding of the sacraments, especially on marriage, the goals of procreation and fidelity. Today, I really feel that HIV/AIDS is no longer a medical crisis; it is a crisis of our faith. Yet, Fr. Lungu said strongly that Jesus’ response to suffering was always compassion and love. He said that what we are call to do is perhaps to share the Cross of Christ. “There is a vocation (not philosophical- Why? Why?), to show that our suffering is connected to the Cross of the Lord.” But how can we claim that Jesus is our personal saviour when amongst us are people suffering and dying of HIV/AIDS? Fr. Lungu answered beautifully: “Ireneaus said: God created us without us, but he cannot save us without our involvement.” Are we, as priests, brothers and sisters willing to participate in this plan of God? Such a heavy question to reflect! I was so touched with this line. He added then: “Our suffering is a continuation in what Jesus did to save the world, and our commitment is our personal involvement.”
I was deeply moved by the responses of the group when we were asked to do some creative imagination on ‘what could be the words of Jesus for you as a priest, brother or sister living with HIV/AIDS positive. Others have answered it beautifully: Jesus would probably say ‘I am deeply moved by your situation.” It speaks clearly of the loving and compassionate God. Others said: “What do you want me to do for you?” I recalled many instances when Jesus meet the blind man, the other sick people who were begging for healing. Others said: I assure you my great love. You are precious in my eyes.” I recall of the many times Jesus looking intently and lovingly on many sick people- ‘I have not come nor for the well but to those who are in need of a doctor.’ I love most of the line “Have courage for I am with you always.” For me, Jesus never gets tired of telling everybody His love and compassion. He is a tender loving God, but Fr. Cleophas said: Jesus is also tough minded and He puts force in His words. His love challenges conversion and change. “He is not offering cheap life, for sickness is not just a matter of the body, but it is also related to one’s behaviour.”
Bishop Gorge Lungu re-echoed what the Bishops in Africa have reflected. We should tell those who are infected and affected with the HIV/AIDS virus, “We are in solidarity with you.” “Let us be true to ourselves.” “Let us be responsible” and “Let us change our behaviours.” He said, HIV/AIDS is real and we should be open to tell it to our community, to encourage the community to have a positive attitude towards the infected ones. As I was seeing the situation in this country, I really feel and strongly urge the government and all people for proper education, to be able to respond the needs of the infected and affected, but to let people know the devastating effect of our behaviours towards sex. The church is always calling for the change of heart. Moral, spiritual and pastoral issues are to be re-enforced. We have to realize that all of us has these needs because as priests and religious, we always look ourselves as pastoral agents, not accepting that we need ourselves pastoral care.
Fr. Cleophas Lungu, recapped his sharing with the Theological virtues of faith, hope and charity, ‘that we must fight the HIV/AIDS pandemic with hope and charitable compassion. He added the cardinal and moral virtues of courage, prudence, temperance and justice. As people of God, we should have the courage to go and search our infected and affected brothers and sisters; to come out to the open and to confront our lives. Prudence in the sense of answering our sexual longings. “Alcohol induced sex” and if we are not prudent enough to say no, we are led into another trouble. Temperance, to control ourselves, to abstain and then to be just, not ruining lives of others.
The Bishop, in his last words, said: If we have no roots with the High Priest, our chance of survival is low. Jesus is very soft with us (love and compassion), but we are rough sometimes with our brothers and sisters.” It is true, there is no worse rejection than to be rejected by our own brothers and sisters. He gave an example on Zacchaeus, who was transformed completely by Jesus’ acceptance of him as a public sinner. ‘Then there was a new release of energy to do good.’ And I close my reflection: We are always reflections of hope. God always sees and He never ignores our strivings.
I hope and pray that you are all right. Keep all my love and prayers. FR. RAUL
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