Project BLACK MAMBA

'Tis the festival of Saint James Intercisus, Martyr (died 421; A.K.A. of Persia, the Mutilated; also Anglicized as Jacob Intercisus), martyred in the reign of the shahanshah Bahram V: Martyr-link & Wikipedia-link.

Commentary: Wayback Machine. "Intercisus" is not a surname but an epithet, meaning "cut into pieces." St. James was cut into twenty-eight pieces to be precise, before being beheaded.

'Tis also the festival of Saint Fergus, Bishop (died circa 730, the Pict; A.K.A. Fergustian, Fergus Cruithneach, Fergustus Pictus): Saint-link, Wikipedia-link Fergus, & Wikipedia-link Pictus.

'Tis also the festival of Saint Apollinaris of Monte Cassino, Abbot, O.S.B. (died 828), abbot of the far-famed Abbey of Monte Cassino: Saint-link & Wikipedia-link (list); Wikipedia-link Monte Cassino.

'Tis also the festival of Saint Francesco Antonio Fasani, Priest, O.F.M. Conv. (1681-1742), who was known to levitate during prayer: Saint-link ūnus, Saint-link duo, & Wikipedia-link.

Commentary: I have amended & corrected yesterday's BLACK MAMBA post to include the saints who would have been honored had 26 November not been a Sunday: Wayback Machine.

Scripture of the Day
Mass Readings—Feria
The Book of Daniel, chapter one, verses one thru six & eight thru twenty;
The Book of Daniel, chapter three, verses fifty-two, fifty-three, fifty-four, fifty-five, & fifty-six;
The Gospel according to Luke, chapter twenty-one, verses one thru four.

Commentary: Reflection by Bishop Robert Barron (Word on Fire):

Friends, today's Gospel tells of the poor widow who gave her last penny to the Temple treasury. Her behavior makes us consider our possessiveness. What do we tell ourselves all the time? That we're not happy because we don't have all the things that we should have or that we want to have. What follows from this is that life becomes a constant quest to get, to acquire, to attain possessions.

Do you remember the parable about the foolish rich man? When his barns were filled with all his possessions, he decided to tear them down and build bigger ones. Why is he a fool? Because (and I want you to repeat this to yourself as I say it) you have everything you need right now to be happy.

Video reflection by Monsignor James Vlaun (Telecare T.V.): U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.

†

Bible Study—Wisdom Books
The Book of Psalms, psalm twenty-six (verses one thru twelve).

Commentary: Prayer of Innocence (Psalm 26).

Saint Quote o' the Day
From "Heroes' Words" in 54-Day Basic Training in Holiness by Father Richard Heilman:

"Charity is no substitute for justice withheld."
—St. Augustine, Doctor of the Church (28 August)

A Humble Contribution to the New Evangelization
The Popish Plot—Make-It Monday: "Advent Wreath"