Ginbot 27 — June 04

Abba John, the Wise Teacher

Today we remember a holy church father named Abba John. While he was still young, he became a monk, choosing a quiet life of prayer away from the busy world. He loved God so much that he went to live all alone in a tiny room called a cell, so he could pray and learn about God every day.

But Abba John was so kind and so wise that word about him spread everywhere. People could not let such a good man stay hidden. So they asked him to become the archbishop of a great city called Alexandria, the leader who takes care of many churches and many people.

Abba John loved to teach. He wrote many talks, called homilies, friendly lessons that open up the Bible and help people understand and love God. Another good father named Abba Severus wrote him a letter about the true faith, about how Jesus is truly God and truly one. Abba John was glad to agree, and he wrote a kind letter back. Because of these two friends, the people lived in peace and believed the right things about Jesus together.

For eleven years Abba John watched over God's people with a loving heart. He taught them, helped them, and kept them safe in the true faith. Then, when he was old, he died in peace, and God welcomed him home.

This is the path of the kingdom, and whoever walks on it shall never go astray, and never stumble.— Abba John, on the true faith

Lazarus, the Friend of Jesus

We also remember Lazarus, a very dear friend of Jesus. He was the brother of two sisters named Mary and Martha. Jesus loved this little family and often visited their home.

You may know the story about Lazarus. One day he became sick and died, and his sisters wept. But Jesus came, and He called Lazarus by name, and Lazarus came back to life and walked out of the tomb. This wonder showed everyone that Jesus has power over life itself.

After Jesus rose from the dead and went up to heaven, the Holy Spirit, God with us who fills our hearts with love and courage, came down upon Jesus' closest helpers, the apostles. They laid their hands on Lazarus and made him the bishop of a place called Cyprus, the shepherd who cares for God's people there.

Lazarus watched over his people the way a good shepherd guards his sheep. He served them faithfully for forty years. Then he died in peace and went to be with his dear friend Jesus forever.

Jesus called Lazarus by name, and his friend who had died came back to life.