One year ago today we were jolted out of our complacency and pipe dreams with the Russian invasion of Ukraine. It was not yet Lent in 2022, but just as Jesus was aware of the power of evil, so, too, were we. Unlike Jesus, we wanted to ignore the signs. As the people of Ukraine brace for a new offensive, they also held prayer vigils for those who have died in this senseless and brutal invasion.
Throughout Western Europe ecumenical church services were held before any of us were even awake. It was Stalin who was reputed to have said when told the Pope was supporting the Allies in World War II: “The Pope. How many divisions has he?”
It’s hard to hold onto faith during dark times, to be sure, but, as followers of the One who calls us to wage peace, we have faith that in the end, justice will triumph and peace will return. The candles held by the young in Ukraine as well as throughout the world are symbols of hope, that even during these days of impending gloom, there is light.
Prayer for the Day
Frightened and frustrated, we turn to you, O God, for comfort,
But what comfort can we feel when so many die in a brutal war;
Alarmed and angry, we rail against the brutality of war
But beyond the momentary release of fury, we turn to you, O Lord.
Do not let us feel so powerless in these times, Merciful One,
But show us how to be witnesses of your love.
In the name of the One who broadens our vision of care,
Even Christ Jesus our Lord, Amen.
Thoughts for the Day
We pray for peace, but not the easy peace built on complacency and not the truth of God.
- Alan Gaunt, British hymn writer
It is forbidden to kill; therefore all murderers are punished unless they kill in large numbers and to the sound of trumpets.
- Voltaire, French satirist (1694-1778)
Rise up, O Lord; O God, lift up your hand; do not forget the oppressed.
Why do the wicked renounce God and say in their hearts,
“You will not call us to account”?
But you do see! Indeed, you note trouble and grief, that you may take it into your hands;
The helpless commit themselves to you; you are the hope of the orphan
Break the arms of the wicked and evildoers; seek out theier wickedness
Psalm 10: 12-15