Ukrainians face a cold and deadly winter. Headlines report a new Russian missile offensive against Ukrainian infrastructure that is needed to heat and light the already suffering resistance. To create such conditions is monstrous, ironic, and harsh—especially in the season of brotherly love. Clearly, Russia has lost its soul. But not just that single country.
In places like Syria and Lebanon, displaced families are experiencing frigid winter weather on top of what they are already facing—war, hunger, and COVID-19—as they have done for several years now.
Obviously, it is not just Russia that is soulless but ALL OF US. We are the cruelest of creatures, causing great suffering to peoples similar to or different from us—it doesn’t seem to matter. And, when we are not inflicting pain on people, we are busy destroying the planet, its vegetation, the climate, animals and, in so doing, ourselves.
As little children, we were considered “simple” if we wished for world peace. I was one of those simpletons, having been born in the midst of WWII and the Holocaust. I am now more serious and considered when I make my New Year’s wish: peace on earth, good will to all.
Carole J. Garrison 