Jesus said that?

Didn’t you read it in your bible? He said a lot more

Ok

Have you seen those disturbing footage about the Russian invasion of Ukraine?

I have. They are very troubling indeed.

So why do you think Jesus said there shall be wars and rumours of wars?

I’m sorry, I don’t know. I need to know, first of all, the context in which he spoke for me to be in any position to give a reasonable answer.

Let me help you. In Mathew chapter 24 some of his disciples asked him to share with them signs of his second coming and he mentioned wars and rumours of wars, among others.

Ok

So what’s the answer?

I’m not sure but I’d say we keep our eyes on the big picture and not the components parts

Meaning what? That we should discount the disturbing images and the wider implications of the imminent change of regime in Ukraine? Is that what you think?

Not exactly. I am as troubled as everyone else. I’ve got friends in Ukraine, Nigerians who went there to study. I refused to tell my friends’ parents about some reports coming out of Ukraine. Three of my friends have been at the border with Poland waiting to be let through. Am I supposed to discount all that in favour of some big picture? Am I supposed to discount the disturbing implication of the fate of 386,000 Ukrainian refugees who have managed to flee their beloved country in favour of some big picture?

Where does that leave us?

Ah! Yes! I see it. We are jugglers. I get it now. Yes. that’s it.

Jugglers? What are you talking about?

Yes, Jugglers. Do you remember that scene in Moana when Moana made a discovery of who they used to be before her tribe was barred from going beyond a certain point in the sea?

I remember.

Good. Do you recall the excitement of Moana on the discovery?

I do.

That’s exactly how I feel right now. We are jugglers. Express our solidarity with the innocents in the conflict as much as we can while at the same time keeping our eyes on the big picture.

Mm. Can you remind me about the big picture once again?