Miyazya 5 — April 13

Ezekiel, the Prophet Who Listened to God

Today we remember a good and brave man named Ezekiel (say it: ee-ZEE-kee-el). He was a prophet, so God gave him special words to share with the people. He was also a priest, someone who helps people pray and worship God.

Long, long ago, before Jesus was born, Ezekiel and many of God's people were taken far from home to a big city called Babylon. Even in that faraway place, God's Spirit came to Ezekiel and helped him speak true words from God.

God let Ezekiel see things that had not happened yet. He told about the baby Jesus who would one day be born from Mary. He even said that God could take away a hard, stony heart and give a person a soft, loving heart instead. Ezekiel also promised that one day God will wake up everyone who has died and give them new life. That is a happy hope we still hold today.

Ezekiel was kind but also brave. He reminded the teachers and leaders to do their job well and teach the people about God, and not to be lazy. Some people did not want to listen, but Ezekiel kept loving God and telling the truth. He stayed faithful to God all his life, and now he is safe and joyful with God forever. We thank God for Ezekiel, who saw a special door that only God can open.

God can take away a heart of stone and give us a soft, loving heart, full of His Holy Spirit.— from Ezekiel 36:26

Salutation to Ezekiel, who saw Mary as a closed door, which God had established.

Four Friends Who Loved God

On this same day we also remember four faithful saints: Aflamis, Theodora, Arsenius, and Basilides. Arsenius was a monk, someone who lives a quiet life of prayer.

These four were strong in their faith. They had to stand up for God when it was very hard to do, but they did not give up and they did not stop loving Him. They are like good soldiers of God who kept their hearts brave and true.

Their story teaches us something special: friends can help each other be brave. When we have people beside us who love God too, it is easier to do what is right. We can thank God for these four saints, and we can ask them to pray for us, so that we will be brave and faithful like them.