Project BLACK MAMBA

Today we remember Blessed Peter Donders, C.Ss.R.† (1807-1887, A.K.A. Petrus Donders), missionary: Blessed-link & Wikipedia-link.

Commentary: I recently watched a biographical motion picture about Saint Damien of Moloka'i, the far-famed Father Damien. Combine that with a recent re-watching of Ben-Hur & I have a particular interest in anyone who, like Bl. Peter Donders, ministered to lepers. Last Friday's Gospel (Luke, 5:12-16) contained the memorable phrase "a man full of leprosy."

Today we remember Saint Sava† (c. 1174-c. 1235), bishop: Saint-link & Wikipedia-link.

Commentary: My sources dispute whether St. Sava's feast day is 14 January or 27 January, the argument seemingly based in the differences 'twixt the Old Style (O.S.) dates of the Julian calendar & the New Style (N.S.) dates of the Gregorian calendar. This seems rather silly to me, since N.S. dating was not adopted anywhere, much less universally, 'til over three hundred years after St. Sava's death. Plus, this feast is neither an optional nor an obligatory memorial in the current liturgical year, so I feel myself at liberty to use the earlier date, even if it is based in O.S. dating.

Also, St. Sava is a rare post-Schism Orthodox saint also honored in Catholicism. This is altogether fitting, as there is only "one, holy, catholic, & apostolic Church," whatever liturgical & theological disputes divide us. I'm not mocking those disputes, for there are real & consequential differences, resulting in many deeply heretical sects claiming to be "churches," I'm just trying to emphasize what we all share in common—the confession of Jesus of Nazareth as the Christ, the Son of God. A genuine disciple of Christ is a disciple of Christ whatever his denomination.

Scripture of the Day
Personal Reading
The Gospel according to John, chapter ten.

Mass Readings
The Epistle to the Hebrews, chapter two, verses fourteen thru eighteen;
Psalm One hundred five, verses, one thru four, six thru nine;
The Gospel according to Mark, chapter one, verses twenty-nine thru thirty-nine.