13 Dec December 13, 1944

To Luise Oestreicher [Delp’s secretary in Munich]

Dear L.,

Greetings!  By now you’ll have heard of the beautiful, rich happening of this week.  That was a big surprise and a great grace and help.  At that point I was in a bit of a depression, but now I’ve come out of it again.

I’m sorry to hear of your concern about Gusti [Luise Oestreicher’s brother Gustav was missing after a bomb attack.  Some days later he was found dead in a basement.].  I’m including him, with confidence, in my prayer.  Is there any news of him?  Perhaps you’ll bring it to me yourself

Thanks a lot for your willingness to care for my mother and the little one.  And for so much else.  [….]

Perhaps you’re copying some of the Advent material for Bertel, the Christmas meditation or something else….  But above all, do you like these sheets that I’m scribbling together in the few moments when we’re not handcuffed, or are they only taking away from you your bit of freedom?  Please let me know—but not out of sympathy. [“These sheets” refer to the meditations that Delp had begun to write, especially those on Advent and Christmas]

free surrender…

I had a long training session from August 15 to Dec. 8.  But now it’s over, and the external chains are merely a harsh symbol of the bond, consummated by the Spirit, of a free surrender.  Help me to pray and hope and trust and endure.  [….]  I’ll be with you in your search for Gusti.  Greetings to your family and to all our friends.  All the best, and God be with you in the dangers of these hard days.

Georg