Lent Contemplations : Pray for the Ukrainian People
In this time of Lent, we must abstain and leave behind our old ways to grow closer to Christ, to train well for the marathon, leading up to the Great and Holy Pascha of our Lord Jesus Christ. This time of Lent prepares us for the whole liturgical year. In addition to the growth of our private and personal relationship with Christ, there is also a movement in our hearts towards others. As Saint John puts it: God is love.
This internal movement heads externally by giving alms and loving others, whether brother and sister, our neighbors, or our enemies. It is no mistake that in this season we see the tragic event taking place in Ukraine with dear brothers and sisters losing lives, losing homes, and losing hope as they entered into this great suffering of pain, loss, and displacement.
Though our hearts are bent towards Christ, who suffered most to put an end to all suffering, our hearts shall follow the second commandment, which is like the first: to love our neighbors as ourselves. We must love Christ above all else, but do not forget to love others, for Christ too loves you and others. To enter into love is to enter into a life with Christ, for He loves all mankind.
If there is a way you can help others in need, help them. If you are too far to help, pray for them. Donate what you can to make an effort of love. When we think of Ukraine, yes — think of them specifically — the people who have lost everything. Sympathize with them, with compassion and love. Be reminded of those suffering who are not getting public attention right now, like those homeless, suffering and starving in countries like Yemen, Venezuela, Syria and perhaps your own country, for even in different degrees of suffering, there is indeed need for much love, much almsgiving, and much prayer.
When we think of Ukraine and pray for them… Do not forget that it is not only Ukraine who suffers from war, but the innocent citizens who are bystanders in the country that opposes them. They too have their own trials and sufferings. In remembrance of those who suffer… When we reach forward in our thoughts of love and compassion… Forget not even your neighbor down the street. Maybe they have not loss a home and life like the great loss of Ukrainian refugees, but they too may need love in their own life and sufferings. Let not your love be limited, but abundant. Forget not the great sufferings of the world, those publicly known and those unknown.
Even beyond loving the people of Ukraine, we must also love and pray for our enemies too. This a difficult task to do. We love and pray for them, not only for their benefit but for our own, to be a light and transformation for this world. That said, we must not forget that violence is a sin, especially when comes to injustice and criminal acts. Invasions and war criminal conflicts like these are bred with an evil heart. The only time war has ever been just is when it was determined by God. God’s reasons are always right, but as we may notice, wars in ancient Hebrew times were done in order to act justly, to cleanse evil, and restore righteousness.
Therefore, we pray for all suffering people, but with a focus too on the innocent bystanders and victims of these wars and conflicts. Therefore… Pray for the Ukrainian people, pray aid to their help, and pray the same to all people in this time of Lent. Continue to do so after Lent folds as we then enter into the Great Hope of our Lord Jesus Christ and His resurrection.
