Sene 30 — July 07

The Birthday of John the Baptist

Today we celebrate the birthday of Saint John the Baptist. Jesus once said that nobody born into this world was greater than John. That is a very special thing to say.

John's mother was named Elisabeth. When John was born, all her friends and family came to be happy with her, because God had been so good to them. When the baby was eight days old, it was time to give him his name. Everyone thought he should be called Zacharias, after his father. But his mother said, "No, his name is John." His father could not talk at that time, so he wrote it down: "His name is John." And right away his voice came back, and he praised God. He said his little boy would grow up to be a prophet, someone who tells people God's words, and would help get everyone ready for the Lord.

When John was a little boy, soldiers were looking for children to harm. John's father wanted to keep him safe, so he carried John on his shoulders into the holy house of God and gently set him by the altar, the special table where people pray. Then God sent an angel, who scooped up little John and carried him far away to a safe, quiet desert. God took good care of him.

John grew up in the desert, praying and loving God. When he was grown, God sent him to teach people and get them ready for Jesus. John even baptized Jesus in the Jordan River, and he saw the Holy Spirit come down from heaven like a dove. John was brave and faithful to God his whole life.

Among those born of the offspring of women there is none greater than John the Baptist.— Matthew 11:11

Martha, Mary, and Gebre Christos

Today we also remember three friends of God. Two of them were named Martha and Mary. They loved God so much that they stayed faithful to Him no matter what, even when it was very hard. People like that are called martyrs, because they kept loving God all the way to the end of their lives.

We remember a kind man named Gebre Christos too. He lived as a monk, spending his days in quiet prayer, talking to God morning and evening. We thank God for all three of these good friends, and we ask them to pray for us.

Abba Geran, Who Loved to Help

Abba Geran was a holy man who lived alone on a little island near India. An island is land with water all around it. He loved God very much, and he loved to pray and to give things to people who needed them.

God listened to Abba Geran's prayers in a beautiful way. Whenever Abba Geran asked, God kept his country safe. He prayed, and people did not get sick. He prayed, and there was enough food for everyone. He prayed, and ships sailed safely across the sea without sinking. Whatever good thing he asked God for, God gave it. The people loved him and came from far away just to be near him and ask for his blessing.

Abba Geran always tried to do what was right, and he trusted God to help him. When he made a mistake, he was very sorry, and he turned right back to God with all his heart. God is always loving and ready to forgive. After his quiet life of prayer, Abba Geran went home to live with God forever. The people came looking for his blessing one more day, and they found that he had gently gone to be with the Lord he loved so much.

Whatever good thing he asked God for, God gave it.