Homily for the Feast of Thomas Becket (2020)
Homily for the Feast of Thomas Becket (2020)
We continue with the Feasts of Christmas today by celebrating the memory of another Martyr, Thomas Beckett. St. Thomas Beckett lived from 1118-1170. He was a complex character.
In his early life he was an ambitious man. He looked at the church as a way of gaining status in life. He became the Archdeacon of Canterbury where he managed the wealth of the church in England. He was very capable. He had degrees in canon and civil law.
He became a friend of King Henry II. He was about ten years older than Henry and related to him as an older brother. Henry was fun loving and was not interested in administration. Thomas Beckett was a tremendous administrator and very conscientious. Eventually, Henry appointed him chancellor of England.
Thomas Beckett became even more ostentatious with his new responsibilities. He loved to flaunt his worldly power with his fine cloths and lavish lifestyle. Eventually, the see at Canterbury came open when the Archbishop died. Henry thought he would install Thomas Beckett as Archbishop. In that way, he could, in effect take over the church. Thomas Beckett warned him not to, but he did not listen.
When Beckett was installed as Archbishop, he surprised everyone because he began to live simply. He became more prayerful and spiritual. He began to play the part of the Archbishop. His most grievous sin in Henry’s eyes was that he defended the rights of the church at every turn.
An argument between Henry II and Thomas Beckett developed and went on for years. Henry became more furious with Thomas Beckett and let it be known in his court that he would like Thomas Beckett dead. Some soldiers took his wish seriously and they went to the Cathedral and stabbed Thomas Beckett to death. Beckett became the most popular saint in England for the next few centuries. He stood for bravery against tyranny. Henry the VIII was so threatened by his memory he had his tomb destroyed and scattered his bones.
Reflection Questions:
- How does Thomas Becketts story relate to Christmas? Did his life have any similarity to Jesus’ life?
- People often change when they take on new responsibilities. Have you ever seen that happen? What is the lesson in that?
Dear Parishioners,
We have arranged five funerals for the upcoming week. I don’t know about you, but it seems like I have noticed that many people die right after Christmas. It is as if they hang on to life until Christmas comes. Dying people seem to know that they will see a lot of their loved ones at the holidays and perhaps they want to say goodbye. Another thought is that the dying might have the goal of making it to Christmas. Once they make this spiritual goal they let go.
Maybe the terminally ill have a sense that Christmas represnts Jesus coming to the world with the gift of eternal life. Those who are dying open the gift at the appropriate time.
Please pray for Georgette Jarrin who will buried today and for all the faithful departed of our parish and their grieving relatives.
May Our Lady and All the Angels and Saints watch over you today.
Fr. Mark