Letters from Br. Błażej: Night 376

March 7, 2023

Yesterday from the morning alarms. The previous night in the eastern areas of Ukraine was endless rocket raids. Scorched earth syndrome performed by Russian terrorists.
This morning, Ukraine all red, that is, alarms throughout its territory.

The Word… “Listen to the word of the Lord…” Another encouragement for the Lenten season.
The fruits of your listening to the Word…? “Though your sins be as scarlet, like snow they will whiten; though they be red like crimson, they will become white like wool.”
Condition one—just obey. “If you are submissive and obedient, earthly goods you will enjoy.”
But beware: “But if you slink in resistance, the sword will exterminate you. For the mouth of the Lord has pronounced it.”
God is love, hence the encouragement of Listen to God’s Word.

We live in a war, we do not live by war.

America/Ukraine/Poland:
A few hours ago, after a ten-hour flight, I arrived with Sr. Beata, a Nazarene in Worcester, America. Here and in another parish we will have a Lenten retreat.
Visible signs of solidarity with Ukraine plunged into war. (photo)
Let us pray for our Brothers and Benefactors.

News from the brothers:

Lviv (Br. Kazimierz Guzik):
Zbyszek (Sawczuk) from Andrzej (Lysokon), our benefactor from Wroclaw, shuttle this cool car further east for our defenders. (photo)

Lviv (Br. Sergiej Woroniuk):
On Saturday, a day of recollection and an organizational meeting of the Provisional National Council of Franciscan Youth was held at our Capuchin house in Lviv. We listened to the word of God and each other, prayed, and planned the spring and summer retreats. (photo)

Jesus lives!