What is truth?

This question “What is Truth?” is asked by Pilate at “Jesus’ trial”. I think it resonates so much in our lives today, more so in our online world.

In the years of the 45th President of the United States of America we often had “fake news” stated when comments seemed to go against the views he held. This perpetuates even today with the “rigged election”. And here’s the rub : people believe it.

We then face a dilemma: (1) do we engage in that argument, seeking to discern what is true, or (2) dissassociate ourselves from the other because of our/their views?

Sanctions

Many western countries have employed sanctions against Russia and Belarus in recent days. They have been mainly financial but also ones which impact on travel with restrictions on Aeroflot. These sanctions impact both the Russian government but also the people of Russia, with the denial of the use of Mastercard, Visa and Apple Pay, to quote a few of the blockages on the capability for individuals to spend currency. With the crash of the Russian Ruble since the start of the war, life must be getting very hard for Russians.

Given the ravages of war, it can be hard to argue against such actions to bring the government to seek peace rather than destruction of cities and importantly lives. What do at know of the battles from 2014, and the annexation of Crime, in the Donbas region of Ukraine?

Nevertheless, reports from Russia speak of astonishment, puzzlement and indeed anger over the western reaction. The links to western media have been severely limited following the cessation of Russia Today TV by satellite and YouTube channels.

Our opportunity to dialogue is being curtailed.

Humanitarian Corridors

There has been great emphasis over the last few days to establish humanitarian civilian corridors, where safe passage can be guaranteed out of besieged cities in Ukraine. These have mainly failed with reasoning attributed to ‘the other side’ failing to comply. Again blame is attributed to the other.

Where do we sit?

As I write these words I can hear a multitude of languages: from Eastern Europe and Asia. Last week there was discussion of displaying a Ukrainian flag at a vigil, where eventually a simple candle was used. Some churches have ostentaciously displayed the Ukrainian flag. But are we not a church of all?

Could we, can we, pray for Russians who are in our country – wherever that is – who may be struggling hearing and seeing what the western media portray but also hearing from family at home what the Russian media broadcast of the events in Ukraine? Many prayers are for the million plus refugees now in Moldova, Hungary, Romania, Slovakia and Poland – with undoubtedly more sadly to arrive. Continue to pray for the families as they mourn the loss of family members, confused at what is happening.

One great loss of this war, and the many wars before this, is of truth. “What is truth?” is still very evident today.

When we hear the news today, we may implicitly believe it, or do we test it, sit with it and ponder the greater picture? I’d encourage us, especially in this Lenten time, to pray with it – speak and listen to God.

Perhaps then we can engage with the other, and be as one.