The Costs of War

Then Russian invasion of Ukraine is something that should concern all of us. Ukraine is an ancient, independent nation with a history of more than 1000 years. The invasion continues to leave landmines around the homes of the Ukrainian people reminiscent of the landmines in Cambodia which to this very day are still being hunted to save the lives of Cambodian citizens. Since the war between the two countries started in February, more than 10 million people are said to have been displaced already, hundreds of civilians have been killed,and several cities and towns of Ukraine have been destroyed beyond recognition. Through all these we have all been filled with admiration and respect for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and his wife for their great patriotism, courage and bravery in being with their people.

Sad to say, the human cost of war is great and troubling, and more often than not, this cost is hidden. It is not only the damage and people who have been killed that we ought to be concerned about. From a different perspective, it is the culture of violence that is perpetuated by it which can affect our children and our children’s future. The testimonies of people in Kyiv that I saw in television coverage at CNN struck me as something so tragic. I can imagine the loss of trust and confidence of their children in others which can affect the way they will grow up as adults. These, among other things, make war always a tragedy that can last a lifetime for all of us.

TRIVIA:

Very belated birthday greetings to Fr. Glen Ruiz, Parish Priest of Caramoaan, whose birthday was last March 27. Fr. Ruiz used to be Faithful Friar of Mons Jorge Barlin assembly of the Knights of Columbus when he was still assigned at the Holy Rosary Major Seminary.

Greetings as well to Bishop Jose R. Rojas of the Diocese of Lbmanan on the occasion of his Sacerdotal anniversary last week.

QUOTATION OF THE WEEK:

“EVERY WARSHIP LAUNCHED, EVERY ROCKET FIRED SIGNIFIES A THEFT FROM THOSE WHO HUNGER AND ARE NOT FED, THOSE WHO ARE COLD AND ARE NOT CLOTHED.” - DWIGHT EISENHOWER

FOR OUR WORD OF LIFE:

“BLESSED ARE THE PEACEMAKERS, THEY SHALL BE CALLED CHILDREN OF GOD” - MATT 5:9