Megabit 24 — April 02

Abba Macarius, the Humble Archbishop

Today we remember a holy father named Abba Macarius. He was born in a city called Sebra. When he was still young, he decided he did not want fancy things or to be famous. He wanted to spend his life praying and loving God.

So Macarius went far out into the quiet desert of Scete and became a monk, living a simple life of prayer. He worked hard at being kind, gentle, and good, and everyone could see how much he loved God.

When the old archbishop died, the other church leaders all agreed: Macarius should be the new archbishop, the one who would watch over all their churches. But Macarius did not want such a big job. They chose him anyway, because he was so good and humble.

On his way, Macarius stopped in the city where he was born to give his mother a hug. But when he came in, his mother kept right on weaving and did not get up. She said something he never forgot:

Her words went straight into his heart. He understood that being a leader was a big and serious job. From that day on, he tried his very best to take good care of every single person God had given him.

Macarius read the Bible to the people and taught them gently. He was careful and fair. He chose only good, honest helpers to be priests, and he never took anything from the church that was not his. He led the people quietly and peacefully for twenty years, and then he died in peace. We say: Greetings to Macarius the Archbishop!

I know you, only you do not yet know yourself. Before, you had only your own self to care for — but now you must watch over all the people God has given you.— Macarius's mother

Remembering Jesus Our Friend

We also remember a sad time, just before the very first Easter. Some leaders were unhappy with Jesus and made plans against Him, because they did not understand who He really was.

But here is the good news: God's love is bigger than any plan. Soon after this, Jesus would rise again on Easter morning, alive and full of joy. Nothing could keep Jesus down, not even death. So even when we remember the hard part, we can smile, because we know how the story ends, with life and light and God winning.