Tahsas 25 — January 03

John Kama, the Gentle Monk

Long ago in Egypt there lived a kind young man named John Kama. (Kama means "the dark one," for the color of his skin.) His parents loved God very much, and they loved John, their only son.

John wanted to give his whole life to God in prayer, and his wife wanted the very same thing. So they helped each other follow that dream. John saw his wife safely into a home of holy women, where she became a wise leader, and God did much good through her.

Then John went to live in a quiet desert called Scete, where he became a monk and spent his days in prayer. A kind old teacher named Abba Darudi taught him how to pray and how to live well.

After a while, three hundred friends came to live and pray alongside John. Together they built a church and learned to sing songs and prayers to God, and to praise Mary, the mother of Jesus.

One night, while they were praying, Mary herself appeared to John and made him a beautiful promise.

John was a gentle leader who cared for everyone. When he grew old, God called him home to heaven, where he rests in joy forever.

This place shall be my house for ever, and I will be with your sons as I have been with you.— the words of Mary to John Kama

The Brave Maccabee Brothers

On this day we also remember three strong, brave brothers named Abya, Sila, and Pantos. People called them the Maccabees. They were as strong as heroes, but the best thing about them was that they loved God with all their hearts.

A proud king who did not know God told the brothers to stop praying to the one true God. He wanted them to bow down to statues instead. But the brothers stood together and answered with one voice. They would only ever worship the God who made the whole world, the God who had made the king himself.

The brothers were not afraid, because they knew God takes care of His friends now and forever. They reminded everyone that God is fair and good, and that one day He will gather all His people to Him, the way warm sun and gentle rain help a tiny seed grow into a beautiful plant.

The brothers stayed faithful right to the end, and they went home to be with God in a place of light and never-ending joy. Angels welcomed them with singing. God watched over them so carefully that bright birds spread their wings to keep them safe, and their faces shone like the morning sun.

Their brave words remind us that nothing can ever take us away from God's love.

We will worship the Lord God, who is your Creator, and who made you, and gave you everything you have.— the answer of the three brothers

Three More Friends of God

Today we remember three more good people who loved God. There was Nicolaus, a governor, which means he helped lead and care for many people. His wife loved and trusted God too, and they served Him side by side.

And there was a kind monk named Daniel, who was called "the Less." Quiet and gentle as he was, he worked hard for God and stayed close to Him every day. We thank God for all these good friends, and we ask them to pray for us.