PositiveFaith marks World AIDS Day with Service of Hope

Rev Dr Evie O'Brien

On December 3, 2023 PositiveFaith hosted its fourth annual World AIDS Day service online, marking the third and final event celebrating the 20th anniversary of PositiveFaith, the peer support ministry of Catholics for AIDS Prevention and Support (CAPS). This year's service, themed around Hope and Advent Sunday, was a profound reminder of the resilience and strength found in communities and individuals affected by HIV.

The service was led by Rev Dr Evie O'Brien who opened the service with the lyrics from 'Sweep over my Soul' by Luciano, an invocation of hope amidst life's trials before inviting CAPS members to read from scripture.

Sweep over my soul by Luciano

I Peter 3:15:

But in your hearts reverence Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to make a defence to any one who calls you to account for the hope that is in you, yet do it with gentleness and reverence.

John 14:18-20:

I will not leave you desolate; I will come to you. Yet a little while, and the world will see me no more, but you will see me; because I live, you will live also. In that day you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you.

These readings serve as poignant reminders of the continuous presence and love of God in our lives, especially in times of need.

The Advent Wreath of Hope

Rev Dr Evie O'Brien invited everyone to join her in lighting the Advent wreath's candle of Hope, symbolising the continuous light of hope that endures even in the darkest times. This part of the service was accompanied by a beautiful litany written for the service that touched on the dual realities of joy and sorrow in our world, invoking the "God of Hope" to illuminate times of darkness.

In these challenging times

God of Hope, shine through our darkness.

We pray for the Church and all people of faith throughout the world. We pray especially for your beloved servant, Francis. As we rejoice in the love and support given to people infected and affected with HIV by people of faith, we yet lament the continued indifference and opposition by some. In these challenging times.

God of Hope, shine through our darkness.

As we rejoice in our ability to be able to share information and knowledge across our borders, we yet lament that we see our world engulfed by Tyranny, War, Pestilence and Famine. In these challenging times.

God of Hope, shine through our darkness.

As we rejoice in the advancements in science and technology which make new medicines and treatments available, we yet lament with those on the margins who are not able to access these treatments. In these challenging times.

God of Hope, shine through our darkness.

As we rejoice in the growing openness in the world to those who love in different ways, we yet lament with the paradoxical resurgence in persecution and marginalisation of LGBTQI persons in different parts of the world. In these challenging times.

God of Hope, shine through our darkness.

As we rejoice in the love and affection of our family and companions, those who are with us and those who have gone before, we yet lament our separation. In these challenging times.

God of Hope, shine through our darkness.

As we rejoice in the beauty of the world you have created, we yet lament over the ways in which we have despoiled it. In these challenging times.

God of Hope, shine through our darkness.

Help us always to hear the promise of the rainbow over the dark storms of our lives.

God of Hope, shine through our darkness.

Rev Dr O'Brien's reflection was a central highlight of the service, offering a deeper understanding of the themes of hope and faith. Dr Evie spoke of the "Prayer of the Mothers" by Women Wage Peace activist Yael Deckelbaum.

Prayer of the Mothers by Yael Deckelbaum

This year's World AIDS Day service was inspired by our PositiveFaith ministry, and used the sharing format of the PositiveFaith meetings to bring our congregation together in open, honest and meaningful sharing. We were blessed to hear from CAPS friends and members as we reflected together on our sources of hope and what gives us strength in times of hardship.

In the last part of the service, we listened to the lyrics of "God put a Rainbow in the Sky" by Civil Rights Activist Mahalia Jackson before ending with the Grace.

God put a Rainbow in the Sky by Mahalia Jackson

A piece of artwork which compliments this year's service on hope is the painting 'Hope' by Palestinian artist Sliman Mansour, beautifully symbolising perseverance and resilience.

Hope by Sliman Mansour: www.christiancentury.org/article/art/hope-suleiman-mansour