It is a few minutes after midnight as I write this, as I listen to the frightening and alarming reports coming in from Ukraine. I am struggling to prevent my own fears, over how large and how devastating this conflict could become, as well as for the future of the free world, from overshadowing within my heart the terror that the citizens of Ukraine are living right now. One cannot fathom the suffering that will result for them, in lost homes, lost families, and lost lives.
Even as we know that this kind of ruthless warfare has been going on forever, it is still a shock to the system when we watch it unfold. Our Biblical tradition is more than aware of the evil of which humans are capable. Yet it urges us to believe that humans are fully capable of being better than this. Moments like these mock our belief as naive and pollyannish.
The words that come to mind are words from Tehillim 92:
God of retribution, LORD, God of retribution, appear!
Rise up, judge of the earth, give the arrogant their deserts!
How long shall the wicked, O LORD, how long shall the wicked exult,
shall they utter insolent speech, shall all evildoers vaunt themselves?
We do not know what the coming days will bring. We will watch. We will feel. And we will pray. Pray that God give wisdom to the President and to the leaders of the NATO. And courage to the people of Ukraine. And that the Judge of the earth give the arrogant their deserts.
Dear God, our hearts are trembling. Your presence is needed.
