May our poppy mark our commitment to peace, hospitality and kindness

First published on: 10th November 2022

Since the devastating Yugoslav Wars of 1991-2001, it seemed unthinkable there could be another war in Europe. So much has happened over the years to build relationships, mutual cooperation, and security in all areas of our lives as nations continued to commit themselves to peaceful co-operation.

Yet the ‘unthinkable’ happened. It happened on 24th February as Russia launched its ‘special military operation’ in Ukraine to de-Nazify and de-militarise Ukraine.  All this, a Russian ruse for reclaiming land and people they felt they lost during the collapse of the Soviet Union. The unthinkable led to the relentless, merciless bombardment and assault upon so many lives. It saw the devastation of cities, towns, and villages and of Ukraine’s infrastructure. It led to a mass exodus of women and children in search of a safe place to live. 

The war has affected us all.

Many have provided homes and jobs for Ukrainian refugees, many have provided humanitarian aid and courageous people have transported aid into the war zones.  And there are the effects of the war, most notably in the energy and cost of living crisis.  These are tough times for us.  Yet we do well to remember there are people in Ukraine living a subterranean existence with little food, water, or heating.  

From mothers, wives, girlfriends, daughters, and sisters there has been a hollow cry across the centuries: ‘How long, O Lord! How long!’  The senseless and unceasing slaughter of the innocents! Men join the lament.  Children ask, "Will we die tonight!’ When will mummy, will daddy come home?”  

And we cry out with people of every generation, “When will we ever learn!”

As we mark Armistice Day, which once was hoped would mark the end of war forever, we must surely be reminded of the abuse of lands and peoples; of the fragility of relationships, precarious politics, populist cultures, and ungodly powers unleashed upon this world.  We know that war is not confined to the history books, but is thinkable.  If we are to learn anything from what has gone before and all that is in terms of sacrifice and cost, now is surely the time to think about the responsibility each of us has to work for peace. More than at any other time, may our poppy mark our commitment to peace, hospitality, and kindness and our prayers for the victims of war and the healing of nations.

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