Project BLACK MAMBA

'Tis the Optional Memorial of Saint Callistus I, Pope & Martyr (died circa 223, A.K.A. Callixtus), sixteenth Bishop of Rome, martyred in the reign of the emperor Severus Alexander: Martyr-link ūnus, Martyr-link duo, Martyr-link trēs, & Wikipedia-link.

Commentary: Wayback Machine. Quoth the Holy Redeemer bulletin:

In 217, when Callixtus followed (St.) Zephyrinus (20 December) as Bishop pf Rome, he started to admit into the church converts from sects or schisms who had not done penance. He fought with success the heretics, & established the practice of absolution of all sings, including adultery & murder.

Quoth the Holy Family bulletin:

As Pope, Callistus I tried to make wise rules for the Church. He felt there should be mercy for those who had fallen away during persecution but who later repented. Callistus said the Church had the authority to forgive all sins. Callistus I remained steady in his desire to bring peace to the Church. He was martyred in a riot.

'Tis also the feast of Blessed Richard Creagh, Bishop & Martyr (circa 1523-1586), martyred in the reign of the queen Elizabeth I: Martyr-link & Wikipedia-link.

'Tis also the feast of Blessed Roman Lysko, Priest & Martyr (1914-1949), martyred in the reign of the general secretary Joseph Stalin: Martyr-link & Wikipedia-link.

Scripture of the Day
Mass Readings
Weekday
The Letter to the Ephesians, chapter one, verses eleven thru fourteen;
Psalm Thirty-three, verses one, two, four, five, twelve, & thirteen;
The Gospel according to Luke, chapter twelve, verses one thru seven;

or, for St. Callistus:
The First Letter of Peter, chapter five, verses one thru four;
Psalm Forty, verses eight(a) & nine(a);
The Gospel according to Luke, chapter twenty-two, verses twenty-four thru thirty.

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

Commentary: Preparation for Battle (18:1-5), Defeat of Absalom (18:6-8), Death of Absalom (18:9-18), David Told of Absalom's Death (18:19-19:1), Joab Reproves David (19:2-9b), the Reconciliation (19:9c-15), David & Shimei (19:16-24), David & Meribbaal (19:25-31), David & Barzillai (19:32-41a), Israel & Judah Quarrel (19:41b-44), Sheba's Rebellion (20:1-3), Amasa's Death (20:4-13), Joab Pursues Sheba (20:14-22), & David's Officials (20:23-26).