Project BLACK MAMBA: The Advent Daily Double

Today, 7 December is the Memorial of Saint Ambrose, Bishop & Doctor of the Church (circa 340-397): Doctor-link ūnus, Doctor-link duo, & Wikipedia-link.

Commentary: Wayback Machine. Quoth the Holy Redeemer bulletin:

Noted preacher & teacher, a Bible student of renown, & writer of liturgical hymns. He stood firm against paganism & Arians. His preaching helped convert Saint Augustine of Hippo (28 August), whom Ambrose baptized & brought into the Church.

Quoth the Holy Family bulletin:

Ambrose was born of a Roman family at Trier about the year 340. He studied at Rome & served in the imperial government at Sirmium. In 374, while living at Milan, he was elected bishop of the city in popular acclaim & ordained on 7 December. He devotedly carried out his duties & especially distinguished himself by his service to the poor & as an effective pastor & teacher of the faithful. He strenuously guarded the laws of the Church & defended orthodox teachings. He was also influential in the conversion of St. Augustine. St. Ambrose died on Holy Saturday in 397.

'Tis also the feast of Saint Charles Garnier, Priest & Martyr, S.J. (1606-1649), martyred by the Iroquois whilst serving as a missionary to the Hurons: Martyr-link & Wikipedia-link.

'Tis also the feast of Saint Mary Joseph Rossello, Religious, F.D.M. (1811-1880), foundress of the Daughters of Our Lady of Charity: Saint-link & Wikipedia-link; Wikipedia-link F.D.M..

Scripture of the Day
Mass Readings
Advent Weekday
The Book of Isaiah, chapter forty, verses twenty-five through thirty-one;
Psalm One Hundred Three, verses one thru four, eight, & ten;
The Gospel according to Matthew, chapter eleven, verses twenty-eight, twenty-nine, & thirty;

or, for St. Ambrose:
The Letter to the Ephesians, chapter three, verses eight thru twelve;
Psalm Eighty-nine;
The Gospel according to John, chapter ten, verses eleven thru sixteen.

* * * * *

Wednesday, 30 November was the Feast of Saint Andrew, Apostle (first century): Apostle-link ūnus, Apostle-link duo, & Wikipedia-link.

Commentary: Wayback Machine. Quoth the Holy Redeemer bulletin:

Both Andrew & his brother (St.) Peter (22 February, 29 June) were fishermen by trade, hence the tradition that Jesus called them to be his disciples by saying that he will make them "fishers of men." At the beginning of Jesus's public life, they were said to have occupied the same house at Capernaum. Andrew is said to have been martyred by crucifixion at the city of Patras. Andrew is described as bound, not nailed, on a cross of the form called crux decussata (X-shaped cross, or "saltire"), now commonly known as a "Saint Andrew's Cross."

Quoth the Holy Family bulletin:

Andrew was St. Peter's brother & was called with him. "As Jesus was talking by the sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon who is now called Peter, & his brother Andrew, casting nets into the seas; they were fishermen. He said to them, 'Come after me, & I will make you fishers of men.' At once they left their nets & followed him." (Matthew, 4:18-20)

John the Evangelist presents Andrew as a disciple of (St.) John the Baptist (24 June, 29 August). "When Jesus walked by one day, John said, 'Behold the Lamb of God.' Andrew & antoher disciple followed Jesus. Jesus turned & saw them following him & said to them, 'What are you looking for?' They said to him, 'Rabbi 9which translated means Teacher), where are you staying?' He said to them, 'Come, & you will see.' So they went & saw where he was staying, & they stayed with him that day." (John, 1:38-39a)

'Twas also the feast of Saint Cuthbert Mayne, Priest & Martyr (1544-1577), martyred in the reign of the queen Elizabeth I, one of the Forty Martyrs of England & Wales: Martyr-link & Wikipedia-link; Wikipedia-link XL.

Scripture of the Day
Mass Readings
The Letter to the Romans, chapter ten, verses nine thru eighteen;
Psalm Nineteen, verses eight thru eleven;
The Gospel according to Matthew, chapter four, verses eighteen thru twenty-two.