Ginbot 24 — June 01

When the Child Jesus Came to Egypt

When Jesus was a little child, about two years old, an angel of God came to Joseph in a dream. The angel said, "Get up, take the child and His mother, and go to the land of Egypt." So Joseph, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and a helper named Salome set out on a long journey with the little child.

Everywhere the holy family went, God showed His care. In one place they dug a well of fresh water, and afterward that water made sick people well again. In another place, Jesus pressed His foot on a stone, and the mark of His little foot is still there to this day. Jesus told His mother that one day a church would be built right on that spot.

Jesus took an old wooden staff, broke it into small pieces, and planted them in the ground. Then He dug a well with His own hands, sweet water bubbled up, and He watered the little sticks. Right away they grew into leafy trees that smelled sweeter than any perfume. These are the balsam trees, and their special oil is still used to bless people at baptism.

The family also visited a quiet desert called Scete. Jesus blessed it and said that one day many holy people would live there and pray to God like the angels. After about three and a half years, when it was safe, the angel told Joseph it was time to go back home to Israel. God had taken care of them the whole way.

Out of Egypt have I called My Son.— Hosea 11:1

Habakkuk the Prophet and the Flying Lunch

Habakkuk (say it: huh-BAK-uk) was a prophet, one of the people God chooses to carry His messages. One day Habakkuk cooked a pot of lentil stew and packed some bread to bring to workers out in the fields.

But an angel of God appeared and said, "Take this food to Daniel, far away in Babylon!" Habakkuk said, "I don't even know the way there!" So the angel lifted him up and carried him all the way to Babylon in a single moment, so his friend Daniel could eat. Then the angel brought him safely back home. Imagine being there one breath and home the next.

Habakkuk loved God and trusted Him. Long before it happened, he told people that God's own Son would come and be born in a town called Bethlehem. Once, when two boys had been taken from their mother, Habakkuk prayed, and God brought them back to her, alive and well. God heard his prayers and answered them.

O God, I heard the sound of Thee and I was glad to do Thy work.— Habakkuk

Abba Abkuelta, the Kind Doctor

Abba Abkuelta (say it: ab-koo-EL-tah) lived in a city in Egypt. He was both a priest and a doctor, and his heart was very kind. When sick people came to him, he made them well and never asked for a coin. He even gave them food to eat, water to drink, and clothes to wear when they needed them.

In those days, a ruler tried to make everyone stop loving God. But Abba Abkuelta would not stop. He loved God with his whole heart and stayed faithful, no matter what. Cruel men hurt him because of this, and he gave up his life rather than give up his God. That is what we mean when we call someone a martyr.

Abba Abkuelta was not afraid, because he knew he was going home to be with God forever. His friends lovingly buried him on a peaceful hill near his city. We remember him today because of his great kindness and his brave, faithful heart.

Eleazar the Priest and Other Friends of God

On this day we also remember Eleazar (say it: el-ee-AY-zar), a priest from long ago in the Bible. He was the son of Aaron, who was the very first high priest of God's people. Eleazar helped lead the people and served God faithfully all his life.

We also remember three more friends of God on this day: Akledis, Teflas, and Da'ala Maryu. We do not know many stories about them, but God knows each of them by name, and they loved Him dearly. Today we thank God for all of His saints, the ones with big famous stories and the ones whose names we simply say with love.