The Destruction of Ukraine

The Destruction of Ukraine    

What has happened to the earth we’ve inherited, not in the present 21st century, but from the beginning of human history?  “In the beginning, when God created the heavens and the earth, the earth was a formless wasteland, and darkness covered the earth.”  The precepts of how the earth would become a beautiful existence with the human species taking the responsibility to care for its future viability.  If we delve further into the results of this lack of responsibility it can be seen that the human family suffers as well as the earth we possess.  

Can we ever ascertain the damage mankind has, through carelessness or selfishness, destroyed that first gift of God?  There are numerous events that have contributed to the devastation of our land we call home.  Obviously we believe that through protests and even legislation we can save the deterioration of our planet.  At times we must see that this reckless attitude is at the center of disrespect for the world we all live in.  

However, there is another factor that is contributing to the destruction of our planet, caused by war with a complete disregard for those who inhabit it.  The results of bombing and other forms of eliminating cities to satisfy the twisted desires of enemies’ who show the same reckless attitude are not only bringing down buildings, they are performing genocide upon their own people.

Our reflection on the human factors that have been destroyed, displaced, or changed forever as results of war will never go away.  Sure, after the world wars, Korea, and other severe skirmishes, the United States has been the primary substance of rebuilding other nations.  But the deeper scars left in these countries have never completely gone away.  

Ukraine will be rebuilt after this war ends, but the emotional injuries that are already growing will never leave.  

There are already too many millions of persons, including pregnant women who are killed, and innumerable children who will never see adolescence.  I often wonder, as we walk through cemeteries with the American flag adorning almost too many to count, which theater of war they died in.

Yes, we can rebuild, and as in the past will, how do we say to the people displaced or survivors of their lost relatives we are sorry?  The early persons that God handed the responsibility to be caretakers of the human family as well as the earth, weren’t too audacious in following their stewardship.  

Since Pearl Harbor and 9/11 we now must be aware that our shores may never have the protection that many of us grew up with.  We are living in a very uncertain time and hope that as many Ukrainians are wondering where they will reside after this war with Russia ends, what will we look forward to if ever attacked.  To be sure, we have a lot of adversaries who have their eyes on us.  

We must seek God’s intervention in this time of troubles and not lose faith.  As Pope Pius V asked the churches to pray the rosary for the defeat of the Muslim navy in 1571,  Mary’s intercession was a success.  Do not neglect her position as she will intercede to her Son Jesus.

Ralph B. Hathaway, Ukraine.