Project BLACK MAMBA

'Tis the Optional Memorial of Saint Wenceslaus, Martyr (circa 907-935, A.K.A. Duke Wenceslaus I of Bohemia), martyred by his usurper brother Boleslaus the Cruel: Martyr-link ūnus, Martyr-link duo, Martyr-link trēs, & Wikipedia-link.

Commentary: Wayback Machine. Quoth the Holy Family bulletin:

Wenceslaus was born in Bohemia in 907. His father was killed in battle when Wenceslaus was young. This left the kingdom of Bohemia in the hands of his pagan mother, who favored anti-Christian factions. Ludmilla, Wenceslaus's grandmother, took over his education. Ludmila was determined that Wenceslaus would do two things: be a Christian & rule his country. He worked with the Church, ended the persecution of the Christians, brought back exiled priests, & built churches. Wenceslaus set an example all could follow. He gave alms, was just to those who were rich & those who were poor, visited prisoners, & promoted the religious & educational improvement of his people.

'Tis also the Optional Memorial of Saint Lawrence Ruiz & Companions, Martyrs (died 1637), martyred in the reign of the shōgun Tokugawa Iemitsu: Martyr-link ūnus, Martyr-link duo, Martyr-link trēs, Wikipedia-link Lima Romeo, & Wikipedia-link XVI.

'Tis also the feast of Saint John of Dukla, Priest, O.F.M. Conv. (1414-1484, A.K.A. Jan): Saint-link & Wikipedia-link.

Scripture of the Day
Mass Readings
The Book of Job, chapter nine, verses one thru twelve & fourteen thru sixteen;
Psalm Eighty-eight, verses ten(b) thru fifteen;
The Gospel according to Luke, chapter nine, verses fifty-seven thru sixty-two;

or, for St. Wenceslaus:
The First Letter of Peter, chapter three, verses thirteen thru seventeen;
Psalm One Hundred Twenty-six, verse five;
The Gospel according to Matthew, chapter ten, verses thirty-four thru thirty-nine;

or, for St. Lawrence & Companions:
The Book of Wisdom, chapter three, verses one thru nine;
Psalm One Hundred Twenty-four, verse seven;
The Gospel according to Matthew, chapter ten, verses twenty-eight thru thirty-three.

Personal Reading
The First Book of Samuel, chapter eighteen (verses one thru thirty);
The First Book of Samuel, chapter nineteen (verses one thru twenty-four).

Commentary: David & Jonathan (18:1-5), Saul's Jealousy (18:6-30), Persecution of David (19:1-17), David & Samuel at Ramah (19:18-21), & Saul among the Prophets (19:22-24).