Bishop, reformer, friend of the poor · Feast: 17 December
Open in the Daily Word app“Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the LORD, and will be repaid in full.” Proverbs 19:17
Rabbula was born in the late fourth century near Chalcis in Syria, into a wealthy family; his father was a pagan priest and his mother a Christian. After his conversion he gave away his property, freed his slaves and lived as a monk.
In 411 he became bishop of Edessa, the great centre of Syriac Christianity, and served until his death in 435 or 436. He was known for a strict and simple life, for reforming the clergy and monasteries, and especially for his care of the poor and the sick: he organised hospitals and relief for the needy.
He took part in the theological controversies of his time and worked for the faith of the Council of Ephesus (431), which proclaimed Mary Mother of God. He is honoured in the Syriac Churches as a holy bishop.
Conversion changed how he used his money.
A bishop who built hospitals.
Defending the Mother of God.
Early Syriac accounts describe Rabbula organising care for the sick and poor of Edessa, including hospitals for men and women.
He gave away wealth and freed slaves.
Kindness to the poor (Proverbs 19:17).
He lived simply himself.
Dear friends, Mar Rabbula was a rich man from Syria whose conversion changed everything. He gave away his property, freed his slaves and became a monk.
As bishop of Edessa he organised care for the poor and the sick, building hospitals. The Proverbs say: whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord (Proverbs 19:17).
He also worked to reform the clergy and monasteries, beginning with his own simple life, and he defended the faith that Mary is Mother of God.
During this Christmas fast, let us lend to the Lord by helping the poor and the sick. And let us ask Mar Rabbula to help our Church be holy and generous. Amen.
Lord, through the prayers of Mar Rabbula, make us generous to the poor and faithful to the true faith. Amen.