When he came in sight of the city, he wept over it and said, ‘If only you had known this day the way that leads to peace! But no; it is hidden from your sight.’  (Luke 19:41-42 REB)

Reflections by Keith Funk

Over the years I have shared a wonderful friendship with a pastor and his family who live in Chernihiv, Ukraine. Ten years ago, I had the privilege of traveling to Chernihiv and spending several days with them. We worshipped and fellowshipped together. We visited congregants, toured the city and met many warm and wonderful people.

The city of Chernihiv is known as the city of cathedrals.  During my time in Chernihiv, I had opportunity to visit some of the cathedrals. As Orthodoxy is the prevailing expression of the Christian faith in Ukraine, the beauty of the cathedrals’ iconography and ornate décor was breathtaking. The age of the city and the buildings is measured by centuries and defined by a rich history.

Sadly, the war with Russia has brought destruction and devastation to Chernihiv as well as to the rest of Ukraine. Casualties and loss of life have been significant—into the hundreds of thousands on the Ukrainian side. Some have estimated that a million or more casualties and deaths have been absorbed on the Russian side. In a very recent communication with my friend, he reported that several hundred drone attacks had hit the city. I shared with him my sadness and assured him of continued thoughts and prayers.

Considering this, I cannot help but think of our Lord’s coming to Jerusalem those many years ago on that first Palm Sunday. From Luke’s gospel, we encounter our Lord’s grief and accompanying words, “If only you had known this day the way that leads to peace! But no, it is hidden from your sight.”

A blindness had come upon the people unaware. The result of it would lead them into disaster. Indeed, forty years later, Jerusalem was devastated; the temple was razed by the Roman army. Jesus wept over the city seeing all that would come upon it, and he wept over the people’s blindness to peace, as they “did not recognize the time of God’s visitation (Luke 19:44).

I grieve for my friends and for a war being forced upon them. I reflect on the loss of life and the destruction of a country that, even if the war ended today, will take untold money and decades to repair and rebuild. I think of the perpetrators and wonder of their future as well. History has untold lessons for those who fail to see peace and pursue destructive ends. These lessons are universally applicable, and the consequences inescapable. As this is true for nations it is true for every individual.

We move toward Palm Sunday, to then enter Holy Week. Will we see peace? Peace will remain hidden if we turn our eyes from it, and dare I say from Jesus who is our peace. Jesus’ grief over Jerusalem was his response to the reality of what was and what was to come. From darkened eyes and hardened hearts comes inestimable loss. So, it was then and so it remains.

Peace be with you.