As he was praying, …his clothes became as bright as a flash of lightning. Two men, Moses and Elijah, appeared in glorious splendour, talking with Jesus. They spoke about his departure, which he was about to bring to fulfillment at Jerusalem. Luke 9 : 29 – 30
Reading for this week : Luke 9 : 28 - 43
Thought for the week
I know that in hospital there is a suggested measure of pain of between 1 and 10. But how can the pain of a whole nation be measured? Pain that has involved sudden exile, broken metal, shattered homes and tower blocks, a call to civilians to arms, and the insidious creep of fear. The situation in Ukraine is terrible, and just beginning.
Yet again our Gospel reading speaks powerfully and transformatively into this situation. The Bible speaks clearly of the abuse of human power, of the futility and bloodshed of trusting in human power and purely human answers. Of how dark days will come in the end times. How all believers are called to look to the Lord, His sovereign power.
We are called to look to the Lord in faith and be saved. Just as the disciples on the mountain of Transfiguration looked upon Jesus, even though they could hardly bear the brilliance of His glory.
Jesus understands pain and fear better than any of us, to a far greater degree than we can ever know.
We are called to pray for the people of Ukraine, and to look to Jesus in these dark times, to receive His salvation, the hope and love that He alone gives. He is the true sovereign of this world.
Rev Paul
A Prayer for Ukraine
God of peace and justice,
We pray for the people of Ukraine today
We pray for peace and the laying down of weapons
We pray for all those who fear for tomorrow
That your Spirit of comfort would draw near to them.
We pray for those with power over war or peace,
For wisdom, discernment and compassion
To guide their decisions.
Above all we pray for all your precious children,
At risk and in fear,
That you would hold and protect them.
We pray in the name of Jesus,
The Prince of Peace. Amen
Archibishops Justin and Stephen