Megabit 19 — March 28

Saint Aristobulus, Friend of the Apostles

Aristobulus (say it: a-ris-TOB-u-lus) was one of the seventy helpers our Lord Jesus chose before He went to the cross. Jesus sent these helpers out to tell people the good news about God. On the special day called Pentecost, the Holy Spirit came down on them and filled them with power and grace.

Aristobulus traveled with the apostles, the closest friends and helpers Jesus had chosen. He served them kindly, and he preached the Gospel with them. The Gospel is the happy news that Jesus loves us and saves us. Aristobulus helped so many people learn to love Jesus, and he baptized them so they could begin a new life with God.

The apostles made Aristobulus a bishop, a leader who watches over churches. He went to a city far away and taught the people there about God. God worked many signs and healings through him, and lots of people came to believe.

Some people did not like that he kept teaching about Jesus, and they were unkind to him and made him leave. But Aristobulus never stopped loving God or trusting Him. He finished his work bravely and faithfully, and then he died in peace. Saint Paul even wrote his name in a letter in the Bible, in the book of Romans, because he was such a good and faithful friend of God.

He turned many into the path of salvation, and brought them into the Faith of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Seven Brave Friends

Today we also remember seven brave men who were good friends: Alexander the Egyptian, Alexander and Agabius from the city of Gaza, Amilas from the city of Bunitos, Dionysius from the city of Tripolis, and Ramelos and Thalasius from the vineyards of Egypt.

These seven friends loved Jesus very much, and they promised to stand together and be faithful to God no matter what. That is a beautiful kind of friendship, where friends help each other do what is right.

Long ago there was a ruler who did not want people to follow Jesus. The seven friends went straight to him and told him bravely, "We believe in our Lord Jesus Christ!" They were not afraid to say what they loved most. Mean people hurt them because they would not stop believing, and rather than give up Jesus, the seven friends gave their lives for God. That is what makes them martyrs.

But this is not a sad ending. God welcomed His seven brave friends home, and He gave each of them a beautiful crown in heaven. They are together with God forever, happy and safe, and we remember their courage with thankful hearts.

They confessed our Lord Jesus Christ before him, and they received crowns in the kingdom of the heavens.

Askenafer and His Family, Found Again

Askenafer (say it: as-ke-NA-fer) was a good man who loved God. He had a kind wife named Martha and two sons named Arcadius and John. Askenafer was rich, but most of all he taught his boys to love God and to do what is right.

When the boys grew up, their father sent them away to school in a city to learn and become wise. After their lessons were finished, he called them home so he could see how much they had grown. But while the brothers were sailing on the river to come home, their boat broke apart in a storm! God kept them safe from the water. A wave carried John gently to the shore in one place, and Arcadius to the shore in another place far away.

Each brother thought the other one was gone. Sad John went to a monastery and became a monk, spending his days quietly in prayer. Far away, Arcadius did the very same thing. They each prayed and missed each other. Their mother and father were sad too, because they thought both boys were lost.

But God had a happy surprise waiting. One night Askenafer had a dream where he saw his two sons shining with crowns, which meant they were alive and beloved by God. A wise old monk told Askenafer and Martha, "Do not be sad. You will find your sons!" And it came true. At a holy feast, the brothers met again, hugged, and cried happy tears. Then their mother and father came and held them too. The whole family was together again!

They were so thankful that they gave their riches to people who were poor, set their workers free, and spent the rest of their days praying and loving God. Askenafer, Martha, John, and Arcadius all lived close to God and died in peace, together as a family.

Sorrow not, O beloved of our Lord. When you return, you will find your sons.— the holy old monk