Your words today, O Lord, remind me so much of our brothers and sisters in Ukraine now suffering too much a week after Russian forces invaded them; they are exactly like the early Christians being persecuted during the time of St. Peter:
In this you rejoice, although now for a little while you may have to suffer through various trials, so that the genuineness of your faith, more precious than gold that is perishable even though tested by fire, may prove to be for praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. Although you have not seen him you love him; even though you do not see him now yet you believe in him, you rejoice with an indescribable and glorious joy, as you attain the goal of faith, the salvation of your souls.
1 Peter 1:6-9
So many times, Lord, the faith of your people in Ukraine had been tested in so many instances but this war now going on is something not only too difficult to wage but to grasp even for us from a far and distant land from them.
Though we do not see each other, we feel their pains and hurts, their worries and anxieties, most especially their fears and uncertainties; I pray, dear God, for more strength and courage, more unity among the people of Ukraine; most of all, I pray for deeper hope among them, that even if things get worst, they too may rise from the dead like your Son Jesus Christ our Lord and true hope.
At the same time, dear Jesus, I pray most fervently for Russian President Putin - a very rich man like the one in today's gospel who clings so much to wealth and power; it is so sad and deplorable that a man like him in this age would do the unthinkable and shameful act of waging a war against a smaller and peaceful nation that is their neighbor!
Awake the Russians, O Lord, from their drunkenness to power and wealth; awake the Russians, O Lord, to realize not only the follies of wars but most especially the precious value of every human life. Amen.
