Project BLACK MAMBA

'Tis the Feast of Saint Matthew, Apostle & Evangelist (first century, A.K.A. Levi): Apostle-link ūnus, Apostle-link duo, Apostle-link trēs, & Wikipedia-link.

Commentary: Wayback Machine '14 & Wayback Machine '15. Quoth the Holy Redeemer bulletin:

St. Matthew was one of Jesus's twelve apostles & also one of the four Evangelists. Matthew authored the first Gospel of the Bible's New testament, now known as the Gospel of Matthew. Prior to preaching the word of God, he worked as a tax collector in Capernaum.

Quoth the Holy Family bulletin:

Matthew, also known as Levi, was a tax collector in the town of Capernaum. Most tax collectors were hated by the Jews because they worked for the Romans, who had conquered the land. A tax collector could use his position honestly or dishonestly. The temptation to use the position to become rich was great.He invited Jesus to a sinner where other tax collectors (publicans) & sinners were gathered. The Pharisees were upset when they saw this, & they said to the disciples, "Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors & sinners?" Jesus heard them & replied, "Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who who are sick. Go & learn that this means, 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice.' For I have come to call not the righteous, but sinners" (Matthew, 9:9-13).

'Tis also the feast of Saint Iphigenia of Ethiopia, Virgin (first century): Saint-link & Wikipedia-link.

Scripture of the Day
Mass Readings
The Letter to the Ephesians, chapter four, verses one thru seven & eleven thru thirteen;
Psalm Nineteen, verses two thru five;
The Gospel according to Matthew, chapter nine, verses nine thru thirteen.