Sene 16 — June 23

Abba Nafer, the Father in the Desert

Today we remember a gentle old man named Abba Nafer (say it: ah-bah NAH-fer). He was one of the very first people to live all alone in the wide, sandy desert of Egypt, just to be close to God. A person who lives a quiet life of prayer like this is called a hermit.

We know his story because of another holy man named Paphnutius (say it: paf-NOO-shus). God sent Paphnutius to walk into the desert and find the people who were praying there. One day he saw Abba Nafer coming. Abba Nafer had lived alone for so long that his hair and beard had grown long, like a soft blanket around him. At first the two men were startled to see anyone at all. So they made the sign of the Cross, said the Lord's Prayer together, and felt happy and safe. Then they talked about how great and good God is.

Abba Nafer told his new friend how he came to the desert. He had lived in a monastery, a quiet home where people pray together, and he wondered if he could love God even more in a lonely place where he had nothing at all. So one night he took a little bread and walked out to find a spot just for praying.

And God took care of him the whole time. In the desert Abba Nafer found a well of cool water to drink, and a date palm tree. That one tree grew exactly twelve bunches of dates each year, one bunch for each month, so he always had just enough to eat. He lived there happily for eight years.

While the two friends were talking, an angel came down and brought them Holy Communion. They shared a little food. Then Abba Nafer, who was very old, gently said goodbye, and God took his soul home to heaven. Paphnutius wrapped him with care and remembered to tell everyone his story. That is why we can still hear it today.

This palm tree grows twelve bunches of dates each year — one for every month — and I drink water from this well. God gives me just enough.— Abba Nafer

Iyasus-Buruk, the Faithful Friend

We also say a happy hello to a good man named Iyasus-Buruk (say it: ee-YAH-soos BOO-rook). He was the loyal friend and helper of King Yekuno-Amlak, a king of Ethiopia who lived a very long time ago.

A loyal friend is someone who stays by your side and helps you do what is right. Iyasus-Buruk was that kind of friend to the king. We remember him today and thank God for friends who are faithful and true.

Come Home! The Angel Speaks to Joseph

On this day we remember a happy moment from the Bible. When Jesus was a little boy, His family had to travel far away to keep Him safe. Joseph took good care of Jesus and His mother, Mary, the whole time.

Then one night an angel of God came to Joseph in a dream with good news. It was safe now, the angel said, and Joseph could take the Child and His mother and go back home to the land of Israel. What a joyful day. God had been watching over the little family all along, and now they could go home.

It reminds us that God always knows where we are. He guides us, even in our dreams, like a loving Father leading His children home.

Take the young Child and His mother, and go into the land of Israel.— Matthew 2:20