A friend of mine recently remarked that in global politics, situations can arise in which we, as followers of Christ, find no good options to choose from. He was commenting in particular on the growing danger in Syria and our national discussion of what response to make to the civil war going on there and the recent use of deadly gas upon civilians.

Of course as Christians and Catholics, we seek to make choices that reflect a human and reasoned prudence to advance the cause of good. But even more importantly, we must ask ourselves what is the morally right course of action? The situation in Syria is a human tragedy wrapped in complicated history and politics and, frankly, in evil.

The current regime, headed by President Bashar al Assad, like the government of his father, Hafez al Assad, has ruthlessly ruled Syria, suppressing any opposition violently. By some accounts, the current civil war that began in March of 2011 has resulted in over 100,000 deaths in that country.

According to various sources, it was the Syrian military in support of President Assad that recently employed sarin gas that resulted in the deaths of nearly 1,500 civilians, many of them children.

While the repression in Syria is undeniable and a cause for outrage, other reports suggest that the opposition to the government includes significant elements of radical Islamist groups such as Hezbollah and al Qaeda. Videos were released recently that supposedly showed rebels coldly executing captured government soldiers.

Caught in the middle of this terrible conflict are two other groups that merit our deep moral concern.
First are the everyday civilians who always suffer the terrible consequences of war. The United Nations has estimated that some 2 million Syrians have fled the fighting and are in need of help.

Especially close to our hearts is the ancient Christian population that resides in Syria. In recent days, for example, reports surfaced that the previously quiet and peaceful Christian town of Maloula was invaded and attacked by Islamist fighters, essentially, it seems, because of the faith of its inhabitants.

Taking all of this into account, we seem to have run up against one of those situations described by my friend in which, humanly speaking, there is no good, prudential option and the practical consequences of action and inaction can only be guessed at, with no reasonable expectation of predicting or controlling the outcome.

Military intervention or bombings risk making things worse, opening the door to a spiraling regional conflict or a takeover of Syria by people with evil motivations, including those of exterminating the Christian faith. But doing nothing leaves the world simply watching and wringing its hands as innocents continue to die.

It is because of the tremendous danger of this moment, of the chance for a wider and even more deadly conflict, that Pope Francis has raised his voice so loudly and clearly at this early moment in his pontificate.

While condemning in the strongest possible terms the use of gas weapons, the Holy Father has warned against military intervention stating, “Never has the use of violence brought peace in its wake. War begets war, violence begets violence.”

Instead, he asked us all join with him this past Saturday in a day of fasting and prayer for peace in Syria, the Middle East and the world.

The Holy Father is clearly alarmed by the situation. We should be, too. But is prayer and fasting enough? Can we really expect prayer to change hearts and terrible situations?

If we are faithful to what we believe, our response from the depths of our heart is yes!

Prayer will help purify hearts, ours and those of combatants. It opens the way for grace to overcome so much evil that has resulted in the current and terrible stalemate in Syria. And unlike the use of force, it recognizes that the ultimate source of strength is God and not us.

If you did not have a chance to fast and pray last Saturday, it is not too late. Do so now.

Pray especially for our fellow Christians, and for all who are so harshly tried by their current suffering.

Pray that our nation and others can find the concrete means other than war to help stop the violence.

Pray that our understanding of the terribly confused situation will become clearer so that we can better choose what to do or avoid doing, discerning justly and proceeding with prudence and fortitude.

Above all, we must always keep our hope in Christ alive. He has overcome the world, and he continues to guide us.