The armor of courage and love
The sun rises over the mountains in Woodstock, Vt. (Gareth Henderson Photo)
This past weekend, a priest at a Catholic church in Ukraine told his congregation, their faith is their armor. Even after Russia began bombing the country, congregations still continued to meet in Ukraine, bolstered by faith and courage.
“The enemy is attacking us, but we are with God, and if we are with God, who can be against us?” the priest resolutely stated, quoted on the PBS NewsHour Monday evening. The church’s choir sang out a battle hymn for Ukraine, reflecting the country’s resolve, even as it faces the first major land war in Europe in over 70 years.
Amid war and violence, are signs that faith, courage, and dedication to one’s country are fueling many efforts to repel this invasion. Early on Monday, a line of vehicles 20 miles long on the road into Poland grows; some locals have brought food to those waiting in the seemingly endless line. All the while, the Ukrainian forces fight on, as Russian aggression continues.
Amid war and violence, are signs that faith, courage, and dedication to one’s country are fueling many efforts to repel this invasion, and help those in need. Early on Monday, a line of vehicles 20 miles long on the road into Poland grew; some locals have brought food to those waiting in the seemingly endless line of families fleeing the conflict. All the while, the Ukrainian forces fight on, as Russian aggression continues.
After watching the news coverage in recent days, an understandable question is, Can the world repel such an invasion? More to the heart of it, Can peace and stability win?
Over the past two years, the world has seen strong, encouraging reflections of support, love, and collective strength, where they’ve been most needed. The example of a congregation standing up, resolute, for the higher goal of faith and love, is a reminder how the human spirit can shine its brightest amid adversity. And it shows why the answer is “yes”, to the two questions posed above.
Indeed, this represents a far stronger history than that of violence. As seen in times past, churches, organizations and other groups join together to rally around their communities and offer support in the toughest times. Today, at this moment people from around the world are praying and holding vigils in support of love. One of the greatest resources is the constant amount of prayers being offered to Ukraine worldwide, every day. This has happened amid all other challenges the world has faced, and this support has its foundation in love — a quality we all know, a power we’ve all felt.
This love, this resolve, grows and multiplies; it never diminishes. It is greater and more powerful than any bomb or military force, and it’s a force for good that won’t be turned back. This love offers protection when material resources cannot meet the present need. Love’s armor remains, as the light that still shines in darkness. Wherever we live, we have a role in sustaining that armor, by the love and support we maintain in our hearts for Ukraine. And we can know that the hearts of those who need to feel that love, will feel it, and be nurtured by it, because it knows no borders, no limits.
The best part of history will repeat itself. Love has seen the world through its darkest hours, and it will do so again.
— Gareth Henderson
