The contrast could not be more palpable. Last week a photo of a badly wounded Russian soldier being cared for by Ukrainian medics and Putin’s bombing of Kyiv's Ohmatdyt Children's Hospital. Since Russia invaded Ukraine, we have seen one horror story after another: Bucha, the bombing of a children’s shelter in Mariupol, to name just two.
Putin is a perfect descendant of Stalin who set his reign of terror against Ukraine when millions were deliberately starved during the Holodomor. With the KGB in his background, Putin has decried the end of the old Soviet Union.
Even more than sad, it is really disgusting to see some American politicians talk about Putin as if were a new messiah. Under the illusion that they have an ally on some of their culture war issues, they are no better than the appeasers of the 1930s who wanted to strike deals with Hitler.
Prayer for the Day
As did the Psalmist so long ago, we cry to you, O Lord,
For we do not understand why some are so evil in this world;
As did the Psalmist so long ago, we look to you, O God,
For so many who hold power are blind to their illusions.
Grant us understanding and strength, O Holy One,
So we are able to take on the evil that surrounds us.
In the name of the One who points the way,
Even Christ Jesus our Lord, Amen.
Thoughts for the Day
An appeaser is one who feeds a crocodile, hoping it will eat him last.
Winston Churchill, British statesman (1874-1935)
Right now the world can see how Russian missiles and chemicals and drones kill Ukrainian civilians.
Vitali Klitschko, Mayor of Kyiv, on the cruise missile strike yesterday
Guard me as the apple of the eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings,
From the wicked who despoil me, my deadly enemies who surround me.
They close their hearts to pity; with their mouths they speak arrogantly.
They track me down; now they surround me.
They set their eyes to cast me to the ground.
They are like a lion eager to tear, like a young lion lurking in ambush.
Rise up, O Lord, confront them, overthrow them!
By your sword deliver my life from the wicked, from mortals – by your hand, O Lord.
Psalm 17: 8-14