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This feels like a most important Lent.

And it feels more than ever like a time to pray, fast and give.

With the world seemingly and finally set to come out of pandemic, there was a palpable sense of relief — almost like a global exhale — that we were finally getting back to normal. Masks came off and mandates were dropped. We got to see people’s faces at last!

Then Russia invaded Ukraine and the global house of cards was tipped over again. The scenes of carnage — which Pope Francis has called “rivers of blood” — are getting worse and worse in cities such as Kyiv, Kharkiv and Mariupol. We are once again seeing how hatred is driving one country to destroy another.
It feels like we are at a tipping point that we may not come back from. There are so many questions: How far will Russia go? Will they use chemical or nuclear weapons? Will the United States and its NATO allies become directly involved and risk a wider conflict? How many men, women and children will die? 

What can we do as Christians and as human beings other than complaining about high gas prices? Yes, we can only watch from the sidelines, but Lent, as always, gives us the guide.

PRAY
Sometimes I have trouble praying. I don’t make the time when I should, or I don’t know what I want to pray for or who. With Ukraine, I am focused on daily prayer for the people in Ukraine. Praying that their suffering and this war will be over. I am also praying for the people in Russia that they will see that nothing can be gained from this. This intentional praying hopefully will bring me into a closer relationship with God. 

FAST
In fasting I center myself with this small sacrifice. We Americans are not good at denying ourselves what we want. But when seeing the people in Ukraine melting snow to use as drinking water or going days without eating, fasting one or two days a week shows solidarity. Just like praying, you just have to do it. Take baby steps and fast for the morning. Then push that fast into the afternoon. It is a spiritual and holy practice and one that we can try to walk in the footsteps of Christ, who fasted 40 days and nights in the desert while being tempted by evil.

GIVE
There are so many places to give to help Ukraine. Bishop Scharfenberger has recommended Catholic Relief Services and the Knights of Columbus. And the Diocesan Investment and Loan Trust has just donated $50,000 to relief efforts and will match up to another $50,000 in donations from individuals, parishes and faith-based organizations. And it is not just money. Medical supplies are in high demand as well. Every little bit helps from one dollar to 100.

As we approach the third Sunday of Lent, remember there is still plenty of time to pray, fast and give. Do it for the people of Ukraine.

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