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Saint Moses the Black
From violent criminal to peaceful monk, showing that no one is beyond redemption
From violent criminal to peaceful monk, showing that no one is beyond redemption
Feast Day: August 28
In an age where people are defined by their worst moments and “canceled” for past mistakes, Saint Moses the Black offers radical hope: no one is beyond redemption.
Moses was born into slavery in Egypt. He became the leader of a gang of bandits, known for his great physical strength and violent temper. He murdered, robbed, and terrorized the countryside. By all accounts, he was a dangerous criminal whom society had written off.
After fleeing from authorities, Moses sought refuge in a monastery in the desert of Scetis. There, he encountered monks who showed him love instead of judgment. Gradually, the grace of God and the patient witness of the monks transformed his heart.
Moses embraced monastic life with the same intensity he had once given to crime. He spent years in prayer, fasting, and battling his violent impulses. His transformation was so complete that he became a priest and spiritual father to many.
Moses faced discrimination because of his dark skin. Once, when visiting another monastery, he was turned away by monks who didn’t recognize him. Rather than respond with anger, he said, “They have treated me rightly, for I am black and ugly.”
When he was ordained, the bishop tested him by having clergy insult and physically push him. Moses responded with humility: “They have treated me well, for I am not worthy to be a priest.”
In his old age, Moses learned that barbarians were coming to attack the monastery. While the other monks fled, Moses and six companions stayed behind. When asked why he didn’t defend himself (he certainly had the strength), Moses replied: “All who take the sword will perish by the sword. I have lived by violence; I will not die by it.”
He and his companions were martyred, Moses finally breaking the cycle of violence that had defined his early life.
Saint Moses speaks powerfully to our divided nation:
1. No One Is Irredeemable Moses went from murderer to saint. In our culture of cancellation and permanent judgment, we must believe in the possibility of change and redemption.
2. Respond to Hate with Humility When faced with racism and discrimination, Moses responded with humility rather than rage. This doesn’t mean accepting injustice, but refusing to let hate make us hateful.
3. Break the Cycle of Violence Moses refused to perpetuate the violence that had defined his life. We must break cycles of retaliation, revenge, and “getting even.”
4. Transformation Takes Time Moses’s change wasn’t instant. He struggled for years. We must be patient with ourselves and others in the journey of growth.
5. Past Doesn’t Define Future Moses’s criminal past didn’t prevent him from becoming a spiritual father. Our mistakes don’t have to define our destiny.
Saint Moses, you who transformed violence into peace and hatred into love, pray for us who struggle with our own darkness. Help us believe that change is possible, that redemption is real, and that God’s mercy is greater than our worst sins. Give us patience with ourselves and others on the journey of transformation. Amen.