War, now there is war. Putin is looking for weakness and, unfortunately, he sees it in our response and the response of the EU. We’ve given Russia a pass on the harshest sanctions and the EU has not closed down access to the Swift payment system, which gives Russia access to foreign currency. Being wishy-washy will only destroy Ukraine.
Poland, the Baltic States, and even Hungary urge stronger sanctions against Russia. Moscow will set up a puppet government, brutally suppress dissent, and there will be a stream of refugees heading west. The puppet government will kill any dissenter. In Russia, already there have been almost 2,000 arrests of persons opposing this war.
Have we really forgotten the lesson of Hungary in 1956 when the people rose up against Russian occupation? That heart-wrenching call from Free Hungary Radio cried, “Help us, help us.” A few minutes later after a tank barrage, the radio was silent.
Prayer for the Day
Wanting peace in these perilous times, O God,
We ask how do we have peace when leaders want war?
Wondering if the commands of Jesus are relevant in this day,
We ask how would we respond if faced with attack?
Give us guidance, O merciful God, on ways to end this violence,
Give us the strength of our convictions to do what is right.
In the name of the One who overturned tables in the courtyard,
Even Christ Jesus our Lord, Amen.
Thoughts for the Day
The Ukrainian people are strong. And it will remain true to itself in this terrible ordeal. A people longing for sovereignty and peace. A people who consider the Russian people their brothers.
- Wladimir Klitschko, Ukrainian boxer as he enlists in the self-defense forces
My mom is a pediatrician at a state hospital. “How could I not go? There are children there,” she told me. I figured they probably wouldn’t bomb hospitals — at least not yet.
- Luliia Mendel, journalist, former press secretary to President Zelensky
O Lord, how many are my foes! Many are rising against me;
Many are saying to me, “There is no help for you in God”
But you, O Lord, are a shield around me, my glory, and the one who lifts up my head.
I cry aloud to the Lord, and God answers me from the holy hill.
I lie down and sleep; I wake again, for he Lord sustains me.
I am not afraid of ten thousands of people, who have set themselves against me.
Psalm 3: 1-6, a Psalm of David when he was fleeing his son Absalom