As we enter this Lenten Season we do so with heavy hearts and renewed anxiety – as uncertainty grips the world. This uncertainty grows as propaganda ramps up in all media, globally. Old fears that shaped us more than we know have resurfaced. Half a century of cultural conditioning is deeply formative. Many of us were alarmed when similar events took place in Georgia, Uzbekistan, Chechnya, and Crimea. But, when the direction is Westward toward Europe we emotionally relive old drills, images, and fears. Despite encroaching offensive weapons positioned on Russia’s border, many of us relive the emotions of the Cuban Missile Crisis. Russia’s full invasion of Ukraine with the tactical aid of Belarus has shaken the world, and Hungary’s refusal to allow transportation of weapons across its border has broadened concerns.
I spent the past couple of weeks in reflection and prayer. I took notice of public positions from many church leaders – including a joint letter of the Metropolitans of Europe for the Russian Orthodox Church. I have been in prayer for the Ukrainian people, and key decision makers on all sides. And, I continue those prayers with a focus on refugees.
I have been fighting the temptation to oversimplify my perspective as well. In these times it is far too easy to reduce such events by declaring there is no middle – it’s a simple either/or scenario and those who don’t agree are against us. This was a position notoriously taken in 2003. The drums beat loudly once again to exclude the middle. Reflection around the complexities has led to repentance – as I had not been praying enough for Russian speaking Ukrainian brothers and sisters in Christ in eastern Ukraine as they had use of their native tongue outlawed, and had to deal with the Andriy Biletsky founded Azov Battalion over the past seven years. My heart, also, breaks for Ukrainian families as they separate, hide, and/or flee the Russian military.
I continue to monitor the global impacts of the situation as well. Many countries have rightly responded to the Russian invasion. The economic responses have already impacted many of us, and will greatly impact people around the world already facing food insecurity. Increased prices may be frustrating for us, but, for the global poor, those price increases are life or death.
I ask that you join me in prayer this season. Pray for the softening of hearts and change of mind for leaders involved – particularly Putin. Pray for the Ukrainian people – as many flee and others remain to protect their country from invaders. Pray for the Russian people as they experience economic collapse. Pray for the most vulnerable around the world who may no longer be able to afford the fuel to plant food and those who simply cannot afford the increase in food prices due to these unnecessary events. May the Lord be with them and you.