The Bear and the Nightingale

No-one seems to be gaining from the current war, except arms dealers, whose deadly wares the nations of the world are seeking to accumulate in ever larger piles. Ukraine is torn apart by violence; we in the West face higher prices, additional refugees and the return of unpleasant memories of World War II. Even Russia, who set herself upon so bloody a course, is meeting greater resistance than she bargained for. Her economy is in an increasingly parlous state, and hard-man Putin is looking isolated and out of control. I defend the right of nation states to defend themselves, but old-fashioned wars of aggression seldom result anything worthwhile for long. The suffering of generals, presidents and oligarchs is minimal, while the troubles of ordinary people are great- the families, the elderly, the regular Joes.

Praying that God will end all wars is either a naively optimistic view of human nature or a tacit prayer for Christ’s return. Praying that God would end this particular war and effect some reconciliation is surely borne out of compassion for those who suffer the most. Again, I insist, we in the West must take our share of the blame for what is happening. By allowing NATO to expand onto Mother Russia’s own borders, stationing our troops there and glowering through that proud nation’s net curtains, we have sowed war's dreadful seed. Mr Putin is aggressive and unreasonable, but when one prods a bear, one must not be surprised when it bares its teeth. 

God of heaven, look down on Eastern Europe in Your compassion and ease the suffering of its people, limit the violence of the strong and curb the immorality of the godless. May Your people there shine all the brighter as Ukraine sinks into darkness; may the horrors of war cause people to call on Your name, for You are the God of peace, mercy and justice. 

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