Project BLACK MAMBA: Advent

'Tis the Optional Memorial of Saint Peter Canisius, Priest & Doctor of the Church, S.J. (1521-1597): Doctor-link ūnus, Doctor-link duo, & Wikipedia-link.

Commentary: Wayback Machine. Quoth the Holy Redeemer bulletin:

Canisius lived during the height of the Protestant Reformation & dedicated much of his work to the clarification of the Catholic faith in light of the emergence of the new Protestant doctrines. His lasting contribution in his three catechisms, which he published in Latin & German, which became widespread & popular in Catholic regions.

Quoth the Holy Family bulletin:

After his ordination in 1546, he became widely known for his editions of the writings of Saint Cyril of Alexandria (27 June) & Saint Leo the Great (10 November). Besides this reflective literary bent, Peter had a zeal for the apostolate. He could often be found visiting the sick or prisoners, even when his assigned duties in other areas were more than enough to keep most [persons] fully occupied. In 1547, Peter attended several sessions of the Council of Trent, whose decrees he was later assigned to implement. Renowned as a popular preacher, Peter packed churches with those eager to hear his eloquent proclamation of the gospel. He had great diplomatic ability, often serving as a reconciler between disputing factions. In his letters (filling eight volumes) one finds words of wisdom & counsel to people in all walks of life. At times he wrote unprecedented letters of criticism to leaders of the Church—yet always in the context of a loving, sympathetic concern.

'Tis also the feast of Saint Anastasius II of Antioch, Bishop & Martyr (died 609, A.K.A. the Younger), martyred by a Jewish mob: Martyr-link & Wikipedia-link.

'Tis also the feast of Saint Beornwald of Bampton, Priest (eight century): Saint-link, Wikipedia-link, & Google-link.

Scripture of the Day
Mass Readings
Advent Weekday
The Song of Songs, chapter two, verses eight thru fourteen;
or, the Book of Zephaniah, chapter three, verses fourteen thru eighteen(a);
Psalm Thirty-three, verses two, three, eleven, twelve, twenty, & twenty-one;
The Gospel according to Luke, chapter one, verses thirty-nine thru forty-five;

or, for St. Peter:
The Second Letter to Timothy, chapter four, verses one thru five;
Psalm Forty, verses eight(a) & nine(a);
The Gospel according to Matthew, chapter five, verses thirteen thru nineteen.

Individual Reading
The Gospel according to Matthew, chapter twelve (verses one thru fifty);
The Book of Sirach, chapter fifty-one, verses twenty-three thru thirty.

Commentary: Picking Grain on the Sabbath (Matthew, 12:1-8), the Man with the Withered Hand (12:9-14), the Chosen Servant (12:15-21), Jesus & Beelzebul (12:22-32), a Tree & Its Fruits (12:33-37), the Demand for a Sign (12:38-42), the Return of the Unclean Spirit (12:43-45), & the True Family of Jesus (12:46-50).