Sene 24 — July 01

Saint Abba Moses the Black

Long ago there lived a very strong man named Moses. He was so strong that no one could beat him, and he was known as Moses the Black. But before he loved God, Moses lived a wild and unkind life and did many wrong things that hurt other people.

Deep in his heart, though, Moses truly wanted to know the true God. He would look up and pray, "O God Whom I do not know, please help me to know You." One day he heard that the monks out in the desert really did know God, for they spent their days in quiet prayer. So Moses set off to find them.

He met a kind priest named Abba Isidore, who took him to a wise old teacher called Abba Macarius. They taught Moses about God, and Moses was baptized and became a Christian. To be baptized is to be washed with water in God's name and to start a brand-new life with Him. Then Moses became a monk too.

Changing his old ways was very hard work, but Moses never gave up praying. At night, while the older monks slept, he would quietly take their empty water jars, walk a long way to the well, fill them, and set them back. He wanted to help others in secret. Once, when there was no water at all, Moses prayed and prayed, and God sent a great rain that filled every jar. Everyone gave thanks to God.

Moses became so kind and wise that five hundred monks came to live near him and learn from him. They chose him to be their leader and their priest. His story shows us something we can hold onto: with God's help, a person can leave behind their worst days and become loving, gentle, and good. Moses, once a stranger to God, became a father, a teacher, and a comforter to many.

O God Whom I do not know, please help me to know You.— the prayer of Moses

See how strong love and a fresh start can be: they turned a hard man into a kind father and teacher.

Brave to the End, and Safe with God

When Moses was old, some men called Barbarians came near his home in the desert. Moses told the monks with him, "If anyone wishes to run away to be safe, you may go." But Moses himself chose to stay, because he was ready to meet God and was not afraid.

Some unkind men hurt Moses, and he died trusting God. Six of his brother monks chose to stay with him, and they too went home to God that day. They were not afraid, because they knew God was waiting for them with open arms.

One of the monks who was hiding saw something beautiful: an angel of God standing nearby, holding a shining crown, waiting just for him. That is how we know these brave friends went straight to be happy with God forever.

Today the church remembers Saint Moses the Black and the faithful friends who stayed beside him. We thank God for them, and for what Moses teaches us: it is never too late to turn to God, and His love can make anyone new.

I have waited many years for this day, to go and be with God.— Saint Moses the Black