Three years ago today Putin announced he was starting a “special military operation” in Ukraine, three days after announcing recognition of so-called “people’s republics” in eastern Ukraine. If this doesn’t remind you of Stalin, it should. At that pint Russian tanks started rolling towards Kyiv, which they expected to take in a matter of a few days.
They didn’t count on the heroic resistance of the Ukrainian people, however, as they became the targets of Molotov cocktails, so named for the technique used by the Finns when invaded by the Russians in 1939. The fact that Ukrainians have been able to resist a takeover even with assistance is nothing short of a miracle.
Now it seems our elected leaders are prepared to abandon Ukraine and Europe as they were foolish enough to do so in the 1930s.Have we learned so little form history? The world is much smaller than it was then. And we seem to have very short memories.
Prayer for the Day
Caught in the illusion of power that comes with material success,
We confess we have forgotten the lessons from the past;
Having found miserable excuses for our inaction,
We stumble as blind ones feeling the elephant
May we have your forgiving grace so we are filled,
And able to act with strength and courage.
In the name of the One who is our source of strength,
Even Christ Jesus our Lord, Amen.
Thoughts for the Day
Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.
George Santayana, Spanish-American philosopher, essayist (1863-1952)
It’s [Ukraine] is not just a European security issue. It is a global security issue.
Celeste Wallander, Asst. Secretary of Defense (2022-2025)
Why, O Lord, do you stand far off? Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble?
In arrogance the wicked persecute the poor—
Let them be caught in the schemes they have devised.
For the wicked boast of the desires of their heart,
Those greedy for gain curse and renounce the Lord
In the pride of their countenance the wicked say, “God will not seek it out”;
All their thoughts are, “There is no God.”
Psalm 10: 1-4