As I write this, we hear the news that Russian military has invaded Ukraine. I wonder, is this the beginning of a third world war? What can be done to stop this madness? Haven’t the people of Earth learned war to be horrific and inhumane? It all seems so unreal and yet, the videos of the invasion show many Ukrainians evacuating, others stationed and preparing to defend their home, all the while families are sadly separated.

On the nightly news, we hear that NATO headed an emergency meeting, to discuss what actions to take in the face of this brazen invasion headed by a fascist dictator. From my corner of the world, in a small mid-western town in America, I manage to quell nauseating waves of fear, anger, and worry, by staring at the rapidly melting river just beyond the picture window of my home.  Then, with a deep breath I manage to do what I can at this moment, I pray.  

 Prayer can move mountains they say, and this is a time for miracles and propelling human hearts to somehow surrender their perverse need to brutally drive another human from their home, their life, all that is familiar. In this invasion, we are witnessing thousands of innocent people suffering. Lines of evacuees in border towns, including little children obviously tired, crying, many are rolling small suitcases containing a fraction of their treasures. Oh, how difficult this is to witness.

Due to my extreme empathic nature, I often refrain from watching the news. This day, the images and stories deeply disturb me and I immediately begin to pray the rosary. Several minutes pass and I call my aging mother, she joins me in several “Hail Mary’s”. While lost in the repetition of prayer I begin to imagine rows of angels supporting the wounded and all displaced people. Calmly and habitually, we continue our mantra…Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for us… it continues.

 Unlike me, my mother loves to watch CNN. I prefer a movie to news, but she informs me that CNN is “real” and she wants to know what is happening in the world. There is irony in this comment from her, because my sweet Mama is now in late stages of dementia, and she often cannot recollect what she has watched five minutes prior. Never the less, today there is such comfort in hearing her voice praying words that are inscribed in her soul. She remembers all the prayers, and numerous hymns. So grateful am I for this time joined in prayer for our world with my beautiful mother. “When two or more are gathered together, in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” (Matthew 18:20 NIV) 

Prayer can be rote, a verse; a heartfelt parade of words gleaned directly from a channel with the Divine. It can be ancient, modern, scripted and made up. Prayer is intention, heart centered and coherent with the nature of love. Never underestimate your capacity to pray at any moment, for any length. Just say what is good, kind, loving and meaningful to you for the greater good, seeped in unconditional compassion for self and those you are focused on. Pray for a miracle. Pray for love to win.  

Blessings and much love,  

 Maria