|
Of course the Bible is full of examples of the purpose and power God to heal disease. And yet this crisis has seemed to require a special response in the Roman Catholic community, of which the Mass I was praying is just one example.
In 1918 a ravaging epidemic of influenza decimated whole populations, including the United States. Yet so far as I know, there was never any "Flu Mass" proposed or celebrated. There were probably special prayers in the churches and synagogues, just as there are such prayers in all our current liturgies. But our special liturgical efforts are, I believe, unprecedented. I needed to ask, therefore: "Just why am I here?" The reason surely is that this is not just a crisis of public health. If it were, the usual agencies and health services could be mobilized to deal with it.
 Dr. Elizabeth Kübler - Ross, the famous psychiatrist who has been closely identified with the hospice movement, has had wide acceptance for her work, which has been a wonderful blessing to many terminally ill patients. But when, in the county in Western Virginia where she lived, she attempted to establish a hospice for children dying of AIDS, her neighbors rose up in fear and anger and blocked her efforts. Some years ago, similar resistance occurred in New York City. AIDS is not just a public health problem. The problem is also one of humanitarian concern. We thank God for those who have proved to be outstanding exceptions to inhumanitarian neglect and avoidance, both at home and abroad. "Just why was I there at that liturgy for AIDS victims and their families?" I was there in part to honor the healers - those who stand in the authentic biblical tradition, like Saint Francis of Assisi who embraced and kissed a leper.
AIDS is a problem of a crisis in human concern and compassion. The Biblical tradition has an obvious theme of God's preferential option for the marginalized and oppressed. I pass over those who defy both faith and reason in viewing AIDS as a curse and punishment upon persons. It would be just as unreasonable to call it a curse and punishment on being African, since the incidence in that continent is far higher than in any part of the United States.
 The American Academy of Pediatrics has said unequivocally that the AIDS virus cannot be transmitted through the air, carried by food or water, drinking glasses, toilet seats, or any casual contact. Something that has always been clear to the men and women of the Bible is the antidote to fear. When she was asked what she was going to do after her efforts for a hospice for AIDS - suffering children were blocked, Dr. Kübler - Ross replied, "I remain an absolute optimist that some day love will conquer fear."
Nothing really creative and healing and lifting for the human race has ever been accomplished without risk - risk of physical danger, risk of resistance and hatred and implacable opposition. Indeed, our society applauds people who take risks for all sorts of melodramatic and sensational purposes - racing cars, climbing mountain peaks, parachuting. It seems that the love of speed, the love of conquering a mountain, casts out fear. Is it not our task as believers to take risks for our brothers and sisters? At a Mass for AIDS victims, as in all Masses, we Catholics believe that we are in the powerful presence of One who's love for the afflicted casts out every anxiety. Irrational fears lose their power in God's world because love prevails. Love is resurrected. Love is victorious.
We need every reassurance of the supremacy and invisibility of love. I am sure that is why I was there to concelebrate that special liturgy. May God bless us and may we go forth into the world, rejoicing in the healing power of the Holy Spirit.
back to top
|
