This time two years ago we heard about a virus that had somehow migrated to the Northwest and saw pictures on the news of people holding up sheets to block the camera’s view as they carried bodies out of a nursing home in Seattle. We cared, but Seattle was far away.
Today we watch as courageous journalists remain in Kyiv while their cameras capture scenes of children in tears as they embrace their fathers who remain behind as they flee in the arms of their mothers to an unknown place as refugees. I care, but Ukraine is far away.
Yet I feel drawn by the Holy Spirit to focus much of my prayer, fasting and almsgiving of these 40 days on the Ukrainian, Russian, Afghan, Yemen, Syrian and Ethiopian people, asking God that my minuscule care may be united with that of so many throughout the world, and with Jesus, who journeys in the midst of all these suffering people. What fruit would come from this? I certainly cannot imagine.
Will it stop Putin from taking over Ukraine? I think not. I think of the people who prayed psalms of lament who died without seeing the Lord’s victory during their times of distress. The witness of people in such suffering continuing to trust in God baffles and humbles me. I fear what would happen to my own trust if I were in such situations.
Yet I also know that the word “lent” means Springtime and that Spring will come even to Ukraine, even in the midst of destruction. I know that lent has to be all about Jesus’ power of Resurrection. Thus I want to embrace joy during this season as well. Jesus has suffered and died for all. Jesus is risen for all.
