Project BLACK MAMBA: Christmastide

'Tis the Optional Memorial of Saint André Bessette, Religious, C.S.C. (1845-1937; A.K.A. of Montreal, Alfred Bessette, "Brother André"), who initiated construction of Saint Joseph's Oratory of Mount Royal: Saint-link ūnus, Saint-link duo, & Wikipedia-link; Wikipedia-link Oratory.

Commentary: Wayback Machine. Quoth the Holy Redeemer bulletin:

He was a lay brother of the Congregation of [the] Holy Cross & a significant figure of the Roman Catholic Church among French-Canadians, credited with thousands of reported miraculous oil healings associated within his pious devotion to Saint Joseph [19 March, 1 May].

Quoth the Holy Family bulletin:

At twenty-five, André applied for entrance intot he Congregation of the Holy Cross. After a year's novitiate, he was not admitted because of his weak health. But with an extension & the urging of Bishop Bourget, he was finally received. He was given the humble job of doorkeeper at Notre Dame College in Montreal, with additional duties as sacristan, laundry worker, & messenger. "When I joined this community, the superiors showed me the door, & I remained forty years," he said.

'Tis also the festival of Saint Felix of Nantes, Bishop (circa 515-584): Saint-link & Wikipedia-link.

'Tis also the festival of Saint Peter of Canterbury, Abbot, O.S.B. (died circa 614), inaugural abbot of Saint Augustine's Abbey: Saint-link & Wikipedia-link; Wikipedia-link Abbey.

'Tis also the festival of Saint Carlo of Sezze, Religious, O.F.M. (1613-1670; Anglicized as Charles of Sezze, A.K.A. Giancarlo Marchioni): Saint-link ūnus, Saint-link duo, Saint-link trēs, & Wikipedia-link.

Scripture of the Day
Mass Readings—Christmas Weekday
The First Letter of John, chapter Y, verses Z;
Psalm One Hundred Forty-seven, verses twelve & thirteen, fourteen & fifteen, & nineteen & twenty;
The Gospel according to Mark, chapter one, verses seven thru eleven;
or, the Gospel according to Luke, chapter three, verses twenty-three thru thirty-eight
(or, the Gospel according to Luke, chapter three, verses twenty-three, thirty-one thru thirty-four, thirty-six, & thirty-eight).

Commentary: Reflection by Bishop Robert Barron (Word on Fire):

Friends, today's Gospel tells the story of the baptism of Jesus. The first thing we must keep in mind about the baptism of Jesus was that it was embarrassing. Here is the one that the first Christians maintained was the Son of God, the sinless lamb who takes away the sins of the world, the Word made flesh. So why is he seeking a baptism of repentance?

There is no way around it: John was working in the country north of Jerusalem, along the banks of the Jordan river. And his theme was unambiguous: repent. Those who came to him were coming to have their sins dealt with; they were admitting their guilt.

As is usually the case with the Bible, there is an irony in the fire. Before ever a word passes Jesus’ lips, he is teaching, in fact communicating the heart of the faith, by this stunning reversal. In this gesture, God lays aside his glory and humbly joins us in our sinfulness, standing with us, assuming our burden.

Video reflection by Deacon Bernard Nojadera: United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.

Mass Readings—Optional Memorial of St. André Bessette
The First Book of Kings, chapter nineteen, verses four thru nine(a) & eleven thru fifteen(a);
Psalm One Hundred Twenty-eight;
The Gospel according to Luke, chapter nine, verses fifty-seven thru sixty-two.

Saint Quote o' the Day

"More & more, make your homes places of love & peace."
—St. Teresa of Calcutta (A.K.A. Mother Teresa, 1910-1997; feast day: 5 September)