April 24, 2022
“Christ is Risen, dear Ukraine. Today is a big day but even so, the enemy continues to drop aerial bombs, ships fire artillery, cannons fire, enemy tanks continue to hit, infantry tries to assault.” ~ Captain Svyatoslav Palamar, the deputy commander of Ukraine’s Azov Regimen
Signs of solidarity with Ukraine are all around us on our travels. Flight attendants on the British Air flight from London to Lucern Switzerland A bridge over the Rhine River, Switzerland on one side and Germany on the other sported Ukraine flags.
As we drove past the European Council building in Strasbourg, France, our guide mentioned that until the invasion of Ukraine was adorned with 47 flags. By mutual I agreement Russia withdrew its membership, so 46 flags fly today. The next building was the European Council for Human Rights, where 25% of the cases have been by lodged individuals or groups against Russia. So much for doing mercy, loving justice, walking humbly with God.
Today is Easter for Orthodox Churches, the day that Orthodox Christians around the world, including Ukrainians and Russians celebrate Jesus’ resurrection from the dead, by which death loses its final sting. The apostle Paul wrote these words of comfort for all who have lost loved ones, “We don’t want you to have the kind of grief that other people do, people who don’t have any hope (1 Thessalonians 4:13 NTE), “for now we see as through a mirror, dimly, but then we shall see face to face”, (1 Corinthians 13:12).
As I looked at the reflection of the Alps in Lake Luzern, the grief and even the greatest joy in this lifetime will be eclipsed by justice, beauty and mercy beyond all imagination.
Christ is risen, indeed, amidst all things. ~ Anne
Wayfinding 