Introduction
These sermon suggestions are a guide to preachers in the Christian community on the subject of HIV/AIDS. They have been prepared by ordained clergy, and the texts focus primarily on topics such as love, compassion, grace.
They are not fully written sermons but outlines on which a preacher may build and further contextualise to suit the congregation in which it will be delivered. The preacher may wish to include other relevant information about HIV/AIDS. Additional worship ideas are also available.
SERMON OUTLINE 1
Prepared by: Rev Dr Donald Cragg; adapted by Rev Gary Thompson
Text: Mark 1:40-45
Verse 41 reads that Jesus was 'moved by anger'. Although other versions may use the words, 'compassion' or 'pity', they would indicate in the footnotes that other authorities would read 'anger'.
Anger towards whom or what?
Was Jesus angry with the man for being sick or the hesitant manner in which he asked for help? This is unlikely as Jesus healed him as He did for others. In Mark 5 He healed the women who haemorrhaged and considered ritually unclean thereby restoring her socially. The Gadarene demoniac lived among the tombs, shunned and feared by the community. Jesus left him clothed, in a right mind and restored to society.
Following the law in Leviticus 13 and 14, Jewish leaders declared lepers unclean. This meant that they were unfit to participate in any religious and social activity. The law stated that contact with any unclean person made them unclean too, some people threw rocks at lepers to keep them at a safe distance. Even the name of this disabling disease terrified people.
Anger of Compassion
Jesus expressed an anger of compassion. He was probably angry at the rejection this needy man experienced as a social and religious outcast. As an expression of His compassion, He touched the leper, risking being declared unclean and making himself a social outcast. Through this action He identifies with the man in his need and brings him back into society. Jesus opened the way of acceptance for the rejected and despised.
Experiences of the Infected and Affected
People living with HIV/AIDS experience similar attitudes of rejection and discrimination. Families reject them and communities shun them. Christians and many congregations are guilty of similar attitudes. This should move us, like Jesus, to anger and compassion.
Christian Action
Worshipping communities and individual Christians can:
- Work for social healing and healing in the communities in which they live
- Educate about HIV/AIDS
- Assist the infected and affected to deal with their fears
- Condemn stigma and discrimination
- Reach out and touch people living with the virus and bring them back into the community.
SERMON OUTLINE 2
Prepared by: Rev Gary Thompson
Text: Matthew 13: 1-23
In the above outline Jesus acted very decisively against attitudes of discrimination and rejection. In this outline we will attempt to address our receptiveness to the HI Virus against our understanding of God's graciousness and compassion to the sick and suffering.
Introduction
In verse 13 to 17, Jesus explains his use of parables as a medium to teach people because of the difficulties in the comprehension and understanding of the events taking place in their midst. The usage of the four types of soil, as it relates to the scourge of HIV/AIDS, can be understood as:
- The Pathway
Represents the busyness in our lives that leaves little room to hear and consider anything new or different. They could be so adamant about the things they believe or the perception they have that nothing will change their minds.
Even when called to show compassion, love and care they fail because of our preoccupation.
- The Shallow Soil
This represents the all talk and little action type. They are moved by stories of hardship and pain experienced by those infected and affected. This group lacks the will to act either for fear that their association would stigmatise them resulting in being socially outcast or their reaction is more intellectual and less emotional.
As ambassadors of Christ, their response would not be wholehearted or genuine.
- The Infested Soil
This represents those who's understanding and previous learning prevents them from listening to anything new as with HIV/AIDS. They shut out messages about HIV/AIDS because it conflicts with their understanding, prejudices, and indifference. Their lives are dominated by issues of self_interest and may not give any consideration to the virus unless it is for personal reasons.
St Paul condemns actions and attitudes of self_interest as works of the flesh and contrary to expressions of the fruit of the Spirit. (Galatians 5: 16-26)
- The Fertile Soil
This is the type of receptiveness that Jesus Christ highly recommends. It is the soil that produces fruit from what is implanted. This is a life producing soil. It gives hope, nourishes and strengths. It generates an action that St Paul in the Galatians passage refers to as Spirit filled living.
Experiences of the Infected and Affected
Our reactions or response to People living with HIV/AIDS could either be life giving or life destroying. As people of hope do we instil hope in others and thereby make Christ real for them. Attitudes of rejection and discrimination destroy and exacerbate the problems around HIV/AIDS.
Christian Action
Worshipping communities and individual Christians can:
- Work for social healing and healing in the communities in which they live
- Educate about HIV/AIDS
- Assist the infected and affected to deal with their fears
- Condemn stigma and discrimination
- Reach out and touch people living with the virus and bring them back into the community.
November 2002
|
