Tikimt 26 — November 05

Saint Timon, Friend and Helper of Jesus

Today we remember Saint Timon (say it TY-mon). Jesus once chose seventy-two helpers, called disciples, who learned from Him and did what He asked. Timon was one of them. Jesus sent these helpers out to tell people the good news about God.

Jesus gave Timon a special gift. When Timon prayed, sick people got better, and any evil spirit had to leave, because God is always stronger than anything bad. Timon stayed close to Jesus and helped Him for as long as Jesus lived here on earth.

After Jesus went up to heaven, Timon kept helping the twelve apostles, the friends who had been closest to Jesus of all. Then, on a happy day called Pentecost, God's Holy Spirit came down and filled Timon and the apostles with joy and wisdom.

The apostles trusted Timon so much that they chose him to be a deacon, one of the people who care for others and serve in the church. He did it so well that they made him a priest, and then a bishop, a leader who watches over many churches. Timon went to a faraway city and taught everyone about Jesus. So many people were baptized and became friends of God.

A ruler did not want Timon to keep teaching, and he hurt Timon very badly. But Timon stayed faithful to God right to the end. He gave his life rather than stop loving God, and we call him a martyr. Timon was not afraid, because he knew he was going home to God in heaven.

Jesus gave His helpers power to make sick people well and to send evil spirits away.

Saint James, the Brother of Our Lord

On this day we also remember Saint James, who is called the brother of our Lord Jesus. He loved God with his whole heart.

James was a leader in the very first church, and people looked up to him. He prayed so much and lived so kindly that everyone could see he belonged to God. We thank God for James and ask him to pray for us.

Saint Huras the Martyr

Today we honor Saint Huras (say it HOO-ras) too. He stayed true to God even when it was very hard, and he gave his life rather than turn away from Him.

Huras was brave because he trusted that God was always with him. We remember him with thankful hearts and ask God to make us brave like Huras.

Saint Philip and Saint Sawgenas

On this same day, two more saints went home to God: Philip and Sawgenas (say it saw-GHEN-as). They spent their lives loving God and helping other people.

When their work on earth was finished, God gently called them home to heaven to be with Him forever. We thank God for these good saints and ask them to pray for us all.