December 2013 Ritual: Telling Love’s Story On World AIDS Day

Remember those you know who are living with HIV and AIDS, those who have died of AIDS-related causes, all who have been affected by this disease.

I remember Shawn who was born HIV+, lived valiantly with the virus, and died of AIDS at the age of five. The WATER community created Shawn’s wake and funeral with his adoptive Moms and made his quilt panel for The Names Project AIDS Memorial Quilt.

Pray for Hope

Join your candle with many candles, many lights.
As those who keep the night watch await the dawn,
Remain vigilant
Until a cure for AIDS is found,
Until those dying with AIDS are comforted,
Until love drives out injustice,
Until compassion reigns.

Look at the Face of AIDS

We know the face of AIDS. You are here, right here in our midst.

We are friends, partners, lovers, family, neighbors.
Response: We know the face of AIDS. You are here, right here in our midst.

We are care sharers, justice workers, health care professionals, social workers, ministers.
Response: We know the face of AIDS. You are here, right here in our midst.

We are students, teachers, parents, sisters, and brothers.
Response: We know the face of AIDS. You are here, right here in our midst.

Some of us are wise elders; some are caring adults; some are searching youth; some are wonder-filled children.
Response: We know the face of AIDS. You are here, right here in our midst.

Some of us are lesbian; some of us are gay; some of us are straight; some of us are bi; some of us are trans.
Response: We know the face of AIDS. You are here, right here in our midst.

Some of us have or might get HIV.
Response: We know the face of AIDS. You are here, right here in our midst.

Some of us feel angry and sad, fearful and fragile, vulnerable and alone.
Response: We know the face of AIDS. You are here, right here in our midst.

We are multi-colored and many cultured people, we are one world.
Response: We know the face of AIDS. You are here, right here in our midst.

All of us are people of faith, awaiting the day when AIDS is a distant memory.
Response: We know the face of AIDS. You are here, right here in our midst.

Reflect

AIDS affects all of us and takes us to places where we would dare not go. How is AIDS affecting you? What love story do you tell? What would you want on your quilt panel when you die?

Remember and Respond

Compassionate Holy One, open our hearts and minds and hands so that we connect ourselves to the global community of others responding to AIDS.

We remember all those women, men and children in this country and around the world who are living with AIDS.
Response: Justice demands that we remember and respond with compassion.

We remember all who care for people living and dying with AIDS in their homes, in hospices, and in support centers.
Response: Justice demands that we remember and respond with compassion.

We remember all who are involved in research and hospital care that they may respect the dignity of each person.
Response: Justice demands that we remember and respond with compassion.

We remember all partners who are left mourning for their beloved ones.
Response: Justice demands that we remember and respond with compassion.

We remember all parents who learn the truth of their children’s lives through their process of facing death.
Response: Justice demands that we remember and respond with compassion.

We remember our responsibility to eradicate this virus and the social/economic conditions that make those who are poor, young, gay, trans, women so vulnerable.
Response: Justice demands that we remember and respond with compassion.

Act

Let us go forth to respond to AIDS: with love, tears, rage, compassion, hope, and action.