The Passion of Ukraine
In the hallowed chambers of our Episcopal sanctuaries, the words of the Book of Common Prayer resonate with profound clarity, reminding us of our divine duty to "defend the weak and the fatherless; uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed" (Psalm 82:3-4). As we reflect upon the current geopolitical landscape, the crisis in Ukraine stands as a stark testament to the age-old struggle between tyranny and the oppressed. It beckons us, as a nation that professes Christian values, to rise to the occasion and embody the teachings of our faith.
The situation in Ukraine mirrors the biblical narrative of the Israelites’ oppression under Pharaoh’s rule. Just as the Egyptians subjected the Israelites to unspeakable horrors, the Ukrainians find themselves under the oppressive yoke of Russian aggression. The prophet Jeremiah’s words ring true today as they did centuries ago: "Do what is just and right. Rescue from the hand of the oppressor the one who has been robbed" (Jeremiah 22:3). The parallels are undeniable, and the moral imperative is clear.
As Americans, we often pride ourselves on being a beacon of hope and a bastion of Christian values. Our national ethos is deeply intertwined with the principles of justice, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Yet, what does it truly mean to be a Christian nation? Isaiah provides a compelling answer: "Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed" (Isaiah 1:17). If we are to live up to our self-proclaimed Christian identity, our involvement in the Ukraine crisis is not just a matter of geopolitical strategy; it is a moral obligation.
The Book of Common Prayer, a cornerstone of Episcopalian worship, continually emphasizes the importance of compassion, justice, and righteousness. In its pages, we are reminded of our duty to our fellow humans, to "seek and serve Christ in all persons, loving your neighbor as yourself." The plight of the Ukrainians is not a distant concern; it is a call to action, urging us to embody the teachings of Christ in our foreign policy.
Moreover, our responsibility does not end at the borders of Ukraine. The waves of refugees fleeing the horrors of war are a testament to the human cost of this conflict. As the writer of Hebrews implores, "Continue to remember those in prison as if you were together with them in prison, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering" (Hebrews 13:3). We must open our hearts and our borders to these refugees, offering them sanctuary, sustenance, and a chance at a new life. To turn a blind eye would be to forsake our Christian duty.
The Ukraine crisis is not merely a geopolitical chess game; it is a moral crucible that tests the very fabric of our Christian identity. As Episcopalians, steeped in the rich traditions of the Book of Common Prayer and the teachings of the Bible, we must advocate for a more proactive American role in Ukraine. Not just because it is strategically prudent, but because it is the right thing to do. In the words of the Prayer Book, "Grant us wisdom, grant us courage, for the facing of this hour." May we rise to the occasion and stand in solidarity with the oppressed.