Sene 26 — July 03

Gabriel the Archangel and His Church

Today is a happy feast for Gabriel the Archangel. An archangel is one of the chief angels, who carries messages from God. Long ago, people built a beautiful church for Gabriel in a quiet place called Debre Naklon, in the desert of Egypt. Today we remember the joyful day that church was blessed and opened.

Something special happened inside that church. There was wood up in the roof, and during the prayers water would gather on it, like little drops of dew in the morning.

The water was a gift from God to help the people. Egypt has a great river called the Nile, and each year the people needed it to fill up so their food could grow. When many drops of water fell from the wood, it meant the river would be full and there would be plenty to eat. When only a little water appeared, the people knew to share carefully and to pray. Through this gentle sign, God watched over His people and made sure they were never forgotten.

Gabriel and the other angels did much good for the people who loved God. We can ask Gabriel to pray for us too.

Salutation to the blessing of your house, O Gabriel.

Joshua, the Brave Helper of Moses

Today we also remember a great prophet named Joshua, the son of Nun. A prophet is someone who speaks God's words to people. Joshua was the best helper of Moses, the leader who brought God's people out of Egypt. Joshua was humble and gentle, and he listened carefully, so God filled his heart with wisdom.

When Moses grew old and went home to God, God chose Joshua to lead the people next. To keep him brave, God gave him a strong and loving promise.

God told Joshua to read His holy Book every day and to follow it with all his heart, and Joshua trusted God in everything. When the people came to a big river called the Jordan, God opened a dry path right through the water, and they all walked across safely, just as Moses had done before. God was with them every step.

One time some people from a city called Gibeon were afraid, so they tricked Joshua into promising to keep them safe. Even though it was a trick, Joshua kept his promise, because keeping your word matters to God. Later, when those Gibeonites were in danger, Joshua hurried to help them, and God helped too. God even held the sun and the moon still in the sky, so there would be enough daylight to keep everyone safe.

Joshua lived a long, full life of one hundred and ten years. Before he died, he gathered all the people and asked them to keep loving God and following His good ways. Then he died in peace, and everyone remembered him with love.

As I was with Moses My servant, even so will I be with you. Be strong and mighty.— God's promise to Joshua

O sun, stand still over the city of Gibeon, and you, moon, stand still too.— Joshua