It feels wrong to complain about how much more I’m paying for gasoline, or that my cable bill went up again, or that Libby’s teeth need cleaning and THAT will cost an arm and a leg.

And even as I type those last few words, I wince, thinking about the people in Ukraine who may pay so much more than an arm or a leg in this war against Russia.

Much in my life feels trivial now as I watch innocent people, ordinary people, teachers and stockbrokers and grandparents for heaven’s sakes, willing to give everything to be free. And what can I do, what can any of us do so far away, and with limited ways to provide help to the people in Ukraine?

There are many ongoing humanitarian efforts that are available to which we can contribute. I just got an email from my church with a link (Catholic Charities working in Ukraine and in neighboring countries) to donate. We can give financial aid.

Pope Francis has called for a Day of Fasting for Peace on Ash Wednesday:

I would like to appeal to everyone, believers and non-believers alike. Jesus taught us that the diabolical senselessness of violence is answered with God’s weapons, with prayer and fasting. I invite everyone to make next 2 March, Ash Wednesday, a Day of Fasting for Peace. I encourage believers in a special way to dedicate themselves intensely to prayer and fasting on that day. May the Queen of Peace preserve the world from the madness of war.

We can pray and fast.

So on this end-of-the-month day when I go about my normal routine, when many of us here in the United States will go about our usual Monday activities, maybe you, me, all of us can take a moment to be grateful and help in whatever way we can.

And if I have to pay five bucks for a gallon of gas tomorrow, then maybe instead of grousing, I’ll remember to say a prayer while I’m pumping.

♥Cathy and Libs