Wednesday 01 December 2021
- Bible Book:
- 1 Samuel
And the Lord said to Samuel, ‘Listen to the voice of the people in all that they say to you.' (1 Samuel 8:7a)
Background
God tells Samuel to listen to the voice of the people, but too often people's voices have been ignored. Today as we mark World AIDS Day we remember those who have been belittled, ostracised and discriminated against because of their HIV status. And we remember with shame the times care was denied because of the homophobia and racism that led some to be deemed not worthy of help.
Where we can be quick to shut down the voice of others, God is quick to listen. In this reading we learn that God does not want to provide the people with a king, but instructs Samuel to listen to the voice of the people and grant their request. God recognises the need of the people and overcomes personal feelings of rejection to provide the people with the ruler they want.
If God can listen to a request that is so difficult, then surely we can comply with a request that is so simple: to listen and respect one another. And on World AIDS Day we need particularly to listen to the voices of those with HIV/AIDS as we seek to eliminate stigma and raise awareness.
To Ponder:
- What can we do today to support those with HIV/AIDS?
- Who in our society is not being listened to?
Prayer
Loving God, help us to listen to those around us and make us aware of the ways people’s voices are being silenced. Help us raise awareness for those being stigmatised and may you use us to challenge harmful stereotypes. We pray for all with HIV/AIDS that they may be treated with respect and understanding. Amen.