大象传媒

A spiritual comment and prayer to begin the day with the environmentalist and theologian Dr Ruth Valerio

Good morning,

The world is reeling from the horror of an unprovoked invasion in Europe: President Putin has unleashed full scale war on Ukraine, and its people are now looking at the prospect of unknown suffering and conflict. The whole world is facing a destabilised and dangerous new world order. Thoughts are with the Ukrainian people.

Today is Ash Wednesday, a day for sober reflection, and this year the occasion feels particularly sombre as we watch the war unfold. People around the world are heeding Pope Francis鈥� call today for a day of prayer and fasting for peace. God is a God of peace who grieves at the hatred and injustice on display in Ukraine. Ash Wednesday acknowledges the brokenness of this world while also pointing us to the ultimate reconciliation and peace that we can all experience with God through his son Jesus.

We鈥檝e seen glimmers of hope in recent days: Global leaders have demonstrated rare unity in sanctioning Putin鈥檚 Russia, while ordinary people around the world have rallied together to protest and donate. But I also agree with the Church of England鈥檚 Bishop in Europe, Robert Innes when, commenting on Ukraine, he said: 鈥淚n the face of military action and aggression, we feel powerless. What can we do? One thing that we can do is pray.鈥�

Holy God of peace and justice, we pray for the people of Ukraine and for an immediate end to the conflict. Please bring comfort, safety and provision for those fleeing the war or trapped in their homes. We pray for wisdom for political leaders, and we pray that in this darkness you would shine a light.

Amen