Since the
Da Vinci Code, the Catholic Church faced another controversy teetering on the edge of our faith. I've read the Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown, and personally, whether it's true or not, I have my faith intact. I still believe in God that may be of suspicious character and debated origin, but I feel the presence of this Divine Being every day and every minute of my existence. Sometimes, I actually take offense with the seemingly endless bickering of church, historians, and analysts, boiling down to Hollywood hype. When there's so much more to see and so much more to do.
I attended mass just last weekend. I was anticipating a drudging sermon from the pulpit but still, I held on for what is a religious obligation. The priest began his sermon, with a story about an AIDS survivor. What he called the survivor actually died two years ago. So why did he call him a survivor? Because at the last minute of his breath, he renewed his belief in God. He forgave the cruel world, all those who dismissed his disease as wrath from God, and those who judged his homosexual life. The young boy was a warrior and survivor indeed.
We have two crossroads of faith. The one that sees God as a tyrant of trials who champions on giving men the world's dilemma and scathing ills; and the God who's always there, who always comes to our plea, despite it all. No faith is absolute, as there are always holes and cracks that can only be filled in with stubborn hope.
Since the discovery of AIDS, world's
medical research facilities have dedicated their life in finding the cure for the dreaded disease. Every bits of technology and theories had been exhausted. The society, even with a self-proclaimed alarm and compassion, is stigmatized by the disease. Every year, more people are diagnosed with HIV and later die with AIDS.
In light of all these, isn't AIDS more than just a disease but a torch to light up hope? For sharing the story of the boy, I commend the priest for the wonderful sermon and for giving even a chink of hope and understanding about AIDS and the society. I still believe in Christian faith and its role in the fight against AIDS.
