“Light will win over darkness.” – Volodymyr Zelenskyy

Right at the beginning of the conflict, awed by the bravery of President Zelenskyy, we bought this shirt. Meg has a matching one. Proceeds go to the Red Cross’s effort in Ukraine. The words are powerful and hopeful — all the more spoken by the man who refused to retreat. As the first day unfolded, witnessing the world rallying to help, his words were believable.

But time, like water pouring over a stone, wears away… doubt springs up. My breaking point was the NY Times picture of people dead in the streets. Civilians with suitcases trying to evacuate. But the mortar shells still landed. A child. A mom. A church volunteer helping them to safety were instantly killed. A teenage son’s pulse would soon give out. He would join them in God’s grace.

But I long for grace here. When the maternity ward was bombed, I cried out. My hope is extinguished. The darkness is winning.

Yesterday’s Lent Reading was Psalm 22. The words Jesus cried from the cross. “My God, My God, why have you forsaken me.” Haunting words from the darkness. The place where the son of God joins us in death.

We are not alone. That family was not alone. The babies and nurses and elderly and moms and soldiers and Christians and atheists … Jesus cries out with us. A rage against the dark. Weeping over the tomb.

He is one within the tomb. Waiting with us in the darkness. The stone will roll. Light will rise. Evil will be pushed back.

Join the cry. “Deliver … Rescue… Save…Come quickly to help.” (v19-21)

---

Click here for our daily Lent readings.