The fear of war, the largest since WWII, reminds us of our interconnectedness around the globe. We wonder how this will negatively impact inflation at the grocery store and the gas pump. We see the geopolitical ripples around and fear further damage on other fronts. And we ache for the civilians and soldiers, the innocent families and children simply trying to go to school or do their jobs now thrown into a desperate survival situation.
What is our response as Christians to this horrific situation? It is difficult to know what any one of us can do in the face of evil. Sometimes I feel overwhelmed and want to ignore the reality of the world’s pain. After all, what can one person do? But the claim of Christ does not allow us to turn away from our brothers and sisters. In the spirit of the Beatitudes we can do something.
“Blessed are the peacemakers, Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness sake…” We can support national and political leaders who have integrity, military personnel who make personal sacrifices for the common good, and we can stay informed about the complexities of our world so that we can advocate for justice for all of God’s people.
“Blessed are the persecuted, Blessed are those who mourn…” We can pray for the people of Ukraine, the protestors in Russia, the victims of senseless violence.
“Blessed are the merciful, the poor in spirit, the meek…” We can enter into solidarity with those who suffer, remembering that we are one global family. We can pray that our lives might reveal the tender mercy of God.
Grace and Peace,
Carla
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