Ukraine Independence and Peace

 

War is terrible but you find us, Loving God.

You find us anxious as conflict rages in the country of Ukraine.
You find us angry at the senseless loss of life,
you find us distressed as civilians are caught up in a terrible war,
you find us grieving over the death of innocent bystanders.

War is terrible but you listen to us carefully, Loving God.

You listen as we ask the politicians, “Can’t you work for a peaceful solution?”
You listen as we say to the aggressors, “Don’t put children or hospitals at risk.”
You listen as we give thanks for countries that welcome those displaced
with big hearts and open arms;
you listen as we fear for journalists who put themselves in danger
to report the truth.

David Sparks for the United Church of Canada

This is Independence Day in Ukraine and for a second year this date has special meaning as an unjust war grinds on in that country. There is a long history of Ukraine suffering under Russian oppression, including the Holomodor, the famine of 1932 and 1933 engineered by the Soviet government of Joseph Stalin which resulted in the deaths of between 3.5 and 7 million Ukrainians.The current war in entirely unjustified, a macabre vanity project of the Russian dictator, Vladimir Putin, who is being compared to Stalin in his ruthlessness. Today Ukrainians around the world are gathering in solidarity with the beleaguered and brave people of their homeland, including here in Canada.

You may have seen the grim estimates by US Intelligence of 500,000 combatants either killed or injured in these past 18 months of the war. These include 120,000 Russian soldiers and 70,000 Ukrainians. These figures don't include civilian casualties. There is no doubt in my mind that Russia is the aggressor in this fabricated war yet the reality of so many who have perished on both sides is heart-wrenching. Add to this the billions lost to these economies and untold billions more in military aid and support provided by nations supporting Ukraine. 

We could have a debate about the doctrine of Original Sin, but surely the warring nature of humanity is a colossal sin and our persistent folly. How many trillions are spent each year on armaments, and how is it that Canada and other nations sell them to countries such as Saudi Arabia with its deplorable human rights record? 

We have friends who say a quick prayer for Ukraine each time they say a blessing at a meal, and we can all pray for peace and independence for the courageous citizens whose resolve is unbroken. Prayers for a universal change of heart when it comes to "might makes right" can be included in our prayers. 

War is terrible but you give us hope, Loving God.

Hope that leaders will patiently give peace a chance.
Hope that despite the heartache, the terror, and the loss,
places of sanctuary will be found and acts of kindness will take root and grow.
Hope that feelings of revenge for broken livelihoods and broken bodies
will be replaced by a willingness to restore community and to forgive.
We pray in the name of Jesus, crucified one. Amen

David Sparks for the United Church of Canada