And Afflict the Comfortable

Why do the nations conspire and the peoples plot in vain? (Psalm 2:1)

I just listened to a speech by Russian President Vladimir Putin. I happened upon it kind of accidentally while looking for something else, clicked it anyway, and for the next hour was hooked. The man is a good speaker. Having heard of nothing but monster and bully references in recent days, it was kind of humanizing to see this handsome man sitting at his regal desk obviously very articulate in his Russian tongue (English subtitles), no dramatic voice inflections or gesticulations; only the occasional deep breathing to indicate gravity of subject.  He articulates obviously his theme of Nazi infiltration into Ukraine at end of WW2, Boris Yeltsin going soft on the West, along with review of the important acquisition of Belarus in 2000 and annexation of Crimea in 2014, then looking directly at camera, he tells the people this recapture of Ukraine is for the good of all, just like a caring President looking after their best interests. It is convincing – if you ignore things like his KGB career, his meteoric rise to power including current Constitutional Court changes apparently making it possible for him to continue until 2036.

Needless to say, it takes only a click or two to read or hear other takes on this power hungry man. Digital media presents both new education and a whole lot of misinformation or disinformation. Very interesting, Mr Putin’s relation with his Church, the Russian Orthodox and its cautious support of his aggression into Ukraine also ‘coincidental’ with this church’s strained relation with the Ukrainian Orthodox - many op eds about that! This of course readily becomes the domain of the media, which includes journalists of all stripes. Already Google offers countless memes of Putin, either as devil or angel, and of course much about Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and what’s he going to do about it?! All this as the world kicks into gear to provide refuge for Ukrainians seeking escape from their country under siege, with many posts and Ukrainian national anthems at NHL hockey games all over Canada and U.S. And there's more! Also I read of Ukrainian opportunists with investments in Russia who will be ready for government positions when the war is over (probably disinformation).

Hmm, in short order, at end of this Lent season, all of us faithful in the churches will read of the Roman governor, Pontius Pilate’s plight after hearing all the clamoring charges against Jesus, “What is truth?” (John 18:38)

Once upon a time when I was in my mid-twenties, serving in my first position as pastor of a well-aged congregation in rural Saskatchewan, I was preaching a sermon. True to my character even then I was trying to say that the good news of Jesus is not always immediately received or understood as good news. Sitting at his regular place in the pews was an elderly gentleman, a retired school teacher known for his poetic bent, and occasional little tastes or twists he might add to whoever was sermonizing. This time brother Wiens rose to his feet and put it this way, “The good news is available to comfort the afflicted, and to afflict the comfortable.” There were a couple of chuckles and a few indulgent smiles from his fellow oldtimers, and a heartfelt thank you from this young preacher. How nice. Exactly what I had been trying to say!

Among my people, the Mennonites, is a large grouping who were refugees from Ukraine, the southern Steppes of 19^th and early 20^th century Russia. Because of privileges (Privilegium) extended by the Empress Catherine to these reputable hard working agrarians when they first came from Prussia, many of the Mennonites eventually became wealthy landholders – and therefore among the victims when the monarchy was abolished and communism gained control during the Russian Revolution. Those who were able to escape emigrated to Canada, U.S. or Paraguay. Subsequent years in the Americas have yielded many freedoms and abundant blessings including opportunity to join the good life. In our midst by now is the full array of liberals and conservatives, social activists and evangelicals, and of course many well blended into secular society. Still identified as a peace people trying to do a good interpretation of what it means to be followers of Jesus, we sometimes get a little embarrassed or defensive about choices we have made in this western hemisphere. For good reason and from firsthand experience we know that wars accomplish nothing, and yet also nervous when demigods threaten.

So here we are, many of us, colonial beneficiaries of good land and opportunities galore and … emerging out of a pandemic (?) and entering into another war? Yesterday I read something in preparation for Sunday School in my so-far comfortable well-built urban Mennonite Church. Yes, our denomination by now includes not only us Russian Mennonites, but people from many races, countries and cultures. The theme for next Sunday Adult Sunday School is this, “Recognizing Other Disciples Along the Way.” (MennoMedia.org/SL) Gregory Battle, writer of one of the supplementary articles, a black man, an elder in a Mennonite Church in Cleveland, OH, says it like this:

Looking back over world history, we find this thinking regarding colonization: “If I want it, I take it. The ends justify the means.” People whose lands were taken, who were displaced and erased, were People of Color. Why? Because of different lifestyles, methods of worship, and how their communities worked, wars ensued. But it is not so in God’s view, where human flourishing looks so different. The fake outrage, the media spin, the war in Ukraine is deceptive. I ask myself, Why is it so traumatic when White people kill White people? Why is it so easy to dismiss the humanity of People of Color and take from them their land, their resources, and their culture?

Good question brother Battle. I am not sure I have an answer, but it gives me pause - enough to post it here. It’s a good reminder especially for those of us who claim to be a people of peace now living in this free land. Our greatest Peace comes from the One walking the Calvary road this Lenten season. We walk on land and in circumstances having caused discomfort to others. It behooves us to continue our prayers, but fully mindful of ALL peoples, including Ukraine, Russia, Yemen, Myanmar, Afghanistan, Tigray, Nigeria, Mexico (cartel-related), Central African Republic, and of course the neighbor next door to my house or your house or tenement or condo or farm or acreage or ...