Moses the Black, Monastic and Martyr, c.400
Almighty God, whose blessed Son guides our footsteps in the
way of peace: Deliver us from paths of hatred and violence, that we, following
the example of your servant Moses, may serve you with singleness of heart and
attain to the tranquility of the world to come; through Jesus Christ our Lord,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and
for ever. Amen.
Saint Moses the Black (330 – 405), known as the Ethiopian
or the strong, was a slave of a government official in Egypt who dismissed him
for theft and suspected murder. He became the leader of a gang of bandits who
roamed the Nile Valley spreading terror and violence. Attempting to hide from
local authorities, he took shelter with some monks in a colony in the desert of
Scetes, near Alexandria. The dedication of their lives, as well as their peace
and contentment, influenced Moses deeply. He soon gave up his old way of life,
became a Christian, was baptized and joined the monastic community at Scetes.*
The Lectionary, via Wikipedia, http://www.satucket.com/lectionary/Moses_Black.htm
