Ukraine. How can we, during this week we have celebrated our own independence, forget Ukraine? Of course, it’s not easy to forget Ukraine, with all the stories of young brave soldiers, wounded or fighting, of newly liberated villagers telling their horror stories of Russian occupation, or of our fears if the Russians really do blow up the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant?
Last week the Russian missile attack on a restaurant in Kramatorsk caused the deaths of 13 people, among them the Ukrainian writer Victoria Amelina. Obviously a military target, but what we need to realize as did our forbearers is that those who oppose any form of tyranny are military targets.
Just as the colonists watched with foreboding their opposition to taxes and increased military presence in the 1760s, Ukrainians feared invasion from Crimea, taken in 2014. Just as colonial opposition grew to understand that their struggle for freedom from the British Crown reflected a greater ideal of freedom, Ukrainians know their fight now is more than just their land and people, but one for Europe and the world. Ukraine, we cannot forget Ukraine.
Prayer for the Day
Wanting to turn away from the world around us,
We seek to isolate ourselves from others who call upon us;
Afraid of possible implications of action, we avoid painful truths,
Seeking to concentrate only on ourselves alone.
Shake us loose from our complacency and self-satisfaction,
Awakening us so that justice triumphs over fear and hopelessness
In the name of the One who calls us to action,
Even Christ Jesus our Lord, Amen
Thoughts for the Day
Air-raid sirens across the country It feels like everyone is brought out For execution But only one person gets targeted Usually the one at the edge This time not you; all clear
- Victoria Amelina, “Sirens,” from poems by Ukrainians (1986-2023)
Protect me, O God, for in you I take refuge;
I say to the Lord, “You are my Lord; I have no good apart from you”
Psalm 16: 1