THE CRY OF JESUS ON THE CROSS IN MATT. 27: 45-56 WITH APPLICATION FOR PEOPLE LIVING WITH HIV/AIDS IN BOTSWANA
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Date
2005
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Tangaza University College
Abstract
Human existence is limited, fragile and full of dissatisfactions. However, every man's
desire is to live forever, but the fact of life is that we have to experience pain, suffering and
eventually death. So the reality of human history is that we have to bear so much pain and
disappointment.
When we are faced with the reality of death, and especially when we see people living
with HIV/AIDS undergoing pain, suffering and death, we also are confronted with our own
fears of death. Many times we are forced to ask, "What is the meaning of human suffering?
What role does God play in our expelience of suffering? These are some of the questions we ask
and especially people living with HEY/AIDS, and we will continue to ask the same questions as
long as we live.
Today people living with HIV/AIDS are battling to find meaning in their suffering. As a
matter of fact, some ask whether their sufferings are consequences of sin, or punishment from
God. They often wonder whether God listens to their cries. And so it is the cry of Jesus on the
cross, "My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?" with pastoral application to the People
Living with HIV/AIDS, and how St. Paul of the Cross, the founder of the Passionists responded
to his own suffering, in fear, turmoil, confusion, death, darkness and eventually confident trust
and rediscovery of God in faith that I intend to discuss in my long essay.
In the first chapter, I will do the analysis of Matt. 27;45-56, and discuss some theological
themes emphasized by Matthew in the text. The second chapter will try to describe the socio-
economic and political situation in Botswana, and its impact on the spread of HIV/AIDS in the
country. I will also try to look at some factors that have led to the rapid increase of the
pandemic, and the government's response to the scourge. The third chapter will be pastoral
application of Matt. 27: 45-56 for the People Living with HIV/AIDS in Botswana, in the light of
how St. Paul of the Cross linked human suffering and divine suffering, with the aim of helping
PLWA understand that it is in their sufferings that the crucified Christ is most closer to them
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THE CRY OF JESUS ON THE CROSS IN MATT. 27: 45-56 WITH APPLICATION FOR PEOPLE LIVING WITH HIV/AIDS IN BOTSWANA