Project BLACK MAMBA: Advent

Today is the optional memorial of Saint John Damascene, Priest & Doctor of the Church (circa 676-749, A.K.A. of Damascus): Saint-link & Wikipedia-link.

Commentary: Wayback Machine. Some days I just do not understand the thinking of those behind one of Project BLACK MAMBA's principal courses, AmericanCatholic.org. Sure, St. John Damascene's feast is an optional not an obligatory memorial, but he's not only a saint, he's a Doctor of the Church. There are only thirty-six Doctors in the twenty-one centuries of the universal Church! One would think that alone, aside from St. John's many other virtues, would merit a mention.

Quoth the Holy Redeemer bulletin:

John devoted himself to religious poetry, which became the heritage of the Eastern Church, & to theological arguments in defense of the doctrines of the Church & [in] refutation of all heresies. His three great hymns or "canons," are those on Easter, the Ascension, & (Saint) Thomas's Sunday. His eloquent defense of images has deservedly procured him the title of "the Doctor of Christian Art."

Quoth the Holy Family bulletin:

Born in around the year 676 at Damascus, St. John was active in business before becoming a monk. He is a renowned theologian who defended the veneration of sacred images. He is outstanding for the writings about the Blessed Mother. Three homilies of his are especially important in tracing the development of the doctrine of the Assumption. He is cited many times in the writings of St. Thomas Aquinas (28 January). St. John Damascene died in the latter part of the eighth century.

Scripture of the Day
Personal Reading
The Gospel according to Matthew, chapter seven (verses one thru twenty-nine).

Mass Readings
The Book of Isaiah, chapter twenty-nine, verses seventeen thru twenty-four;
Psalm Twenty-seven, verses one, four, thirteen, & fourteen;
The Gospel according to Matthew, chapter nine, verses twenty-seven thru thirty-one.