36 - Entertaining Strangers - Moses The Black

In the Name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, One God, Amen

Lesson No. ( 36 )

References: 

St. Moses the Black - Youssif Habeeb 

Notes for Servants 

i Entertaining strangers is a Christian virtue and a true expression of the true love, sacrifice and the feeling that we are all one body.  

i This virtue can be expressed through caring for any strangers who come to us, helping them out of love and friendship. 

i St. Moses was not concerned with the way of worship but he was concerned with entertainment and the love for strangers. So we have to treat our guests as Christ did. 

Objectives 

General: The child should be accustomed to showing love for guests, caring for them. Specific: 

The children will be able to ... 

1. Know that at their level to be kind to other children who they come to visit them. B. Learn how can we make our guests comfortable in our homes. 

Bible Verse 

"Be not forgetful to entertain strangers." 

(Hebrews 13:2) 

Teaching Aids 

The picture of Moses the Black... Acting some scenes from the story. 

Instruction 

(1) Review last week's lesson. 

(2) Who remembers the verse? 

(3) Remind the children about the church occasions for the coming week. 

(4) Contemplate the good qualities of the children of God, - Another good quality is showing hospitality to strangers. As a sort of introduction you can tell the story of how Abraham entertained the Lord and the angels. (Genesis 18) then you give the story of another saint. (5) Explain that the Lord is patient with the people and that He accepts the sinners who return to Him and repent whatever their sins and wicked deeds are... The Lord also shows mercy to them and gives them talents and they become great saints. 

(6) Teacher should prepare the appropriate questions to emphasize the objectives during the

lesson. 

Story Time 

Moses the Black was a very wicked man when he was young. He was a murderer, an adulterer, and a robber. He did not believe in God. He was a mighty man of strong muscles. When he became monk robbers came to rob him. So he tied them and carried them on his back to the monks and forgave them. But St. Moses grieved for his sins. The sinner who keeps away from the Lord is always depressed. 

In the morning he contemplated the beautiful sun. He spoke to it and asked it to guide him to the Lord. The Lord led him to the monks of Natrun Valley so he went to them. (Describe the desert journey and Moses' feelings on his way to the Monastery and his prayers that the Lord might lead him in the way of life) He arrived at the monastery which was surrounded by high walls and which has a small gate. He saw a rope descending... A bell rang. He spoke to the door keeper. He met Anba Isuthorus... Moses' appearance was fearful and horrible... very big... He had a sword in his hand... a sweet talk between them... Moses desired to be a monk... Although I made many sins, I want to be with you. Isodorus welcomed him warmly and guided him. Moses wept and confessed all his sins. He was baptized and became a Christian. He became a monk and struggled against sin till he became a saint. 

Moses continued his struggle through prayers, fasting and reading the Gospel. He faced the devil with power so he did not fall into sin again. He always confessed his sins and received the Holy Communion. The monks noticed his growth in holiness and in serving the monks. (He filled their vessels with water at night without telling them) Then Moses became a saint. He was ordained a priest. He did not judge anyone for his sins but he always said that he was a sinner. He avoided the people's praise. He was an abstinent ascetic. The Lord granted him the gift of performing many miracles. 

1 - He prayed and rain fell heavily. 

2 - He cast out demons in the name of Christ. 

One of his virtues was the virtue of showing hospitality to strangers. Guests visited him during the HolyWeek. The monks used to live on water and salt only but when he saw the guests he received them with joy and remembering the story of our father Abraham... He cooked food for them and ate cooked food with them... The brothers misunderstood him at first but then they understood how he loved strangers and remembered the commandment of the Bible. "Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers." 

Discussion 

1 - Follow up the story by talking about it with the children. 

2 - Continue the discussion while they do the activity. 

Learning Activities 

Activity Sheet.