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A tank fires amid Russia's ongoing invasion of Ukraine, in this still image taken from video released March 20, 2022, by the Ukrainian Armed Forces, which said it says shows the frontline near Kharkiv, Ukraine. (CNS photo/Ukrainian Armed Forces via Reuters TV/handout via Reuters)

‘With great love’

April 5, 2022
By Father Joseph Breighner
Catholic Review
Filed Under: Commentary, Wit & Wisdom

As I write this column, Vladimir Putin is just now invading Ukraine. I have no idea what will be happening by the time this column appears in print, but I choose to write now because the problem of evil is an eternal problem. 

“I have set before you life and death,” cautions a famous passage in Deuteronomy. “Choose life!” (Dt 30:19).

Putin has chosen to inflict death. Can we use this as an incentive for us to choose life?

That may not be a matter of doing great things. Though I don’t know who said this (it’s often falsely attributed to St. Teresa of Kolkata), it remains pertinent: “We are not called to do great things, but to do small things with great love.” Maybe that might involve simply greeting a neighbor, smiling at a stranger in a store or just holding a door for someone. Great love can involve all creatures. Before the pandemic, I barely noticed squirrels. But as the lockdown continued, and I was forced to spend more at home, I began to notice these little creatures. I would see them constantly searching for food, so I decided to become a supplier. I began buying large bags of peanuts in the shell.

If I just tossed shelled peanuts, the squirrels wouldn’t eat them. Apparently they like to crunch the shells. And, no, squirrels do not seem especially generous. A squirrel will grab a peanut and climb a tree so another squirrel cannot get it. Sharing does not seem to be in their nature. Occasionally, a squirrel will bite another squirrel who grabs a peanut. Again, survival of the fittest seems to be true for them.

In the past, when I was younger and my health was better, I was involved in many activities –  this column, a weekly radio show, parish retreats, missions, weekend retreats and much more.

Fortunately I can still write this column and do some limited counseling, as well as help at Oak Crest Retirement Community.

So I do try to practice what I preach. I can’t do what I used to do, but I try to do what I can with great love. Only God’s love makes that possible.

Read More Wit & Wisdom

What would the baby choose?

Prayer is the first resort

Go to the heart of God

Measure of life: Goodness is here to stay

Do the next right thing

Called to forgive, not condemn

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Father Joseph Breighner

Father Joseph Breighner is a priest of the Archdiocese of Baltimore and a columnist for the Catholic Review.

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