St. Thomas Becket
One
Today is the Feast of St. Thomas Becket, a wonderful saint whose celebration falls within the Octave of Christmas, which means we are still celebrating Christmas! A saint of the 12th Century, he proves the maxim that great men aren’t born great, they grow great. In St. Thomas Becket’s case, it was a combination of choice and circumstance that led him to greatness.
A party friend of King Henry II of England, he warned the king who wanted to promote his friend to primate of all England, “Should God permit me to be the Archbishop of Canterbury, I would soon lose your Majesty's favor, and the affection with which you honor me would be changed into hatred.” Indeed, this is what happened; for, when Henry elevated his friend to Archbishop of Canterbury, Thomas became a staunch defender of the authority and autonomy of the Church, which eventually cost him his life. On this day in 1170, four of the Kings’ knights forced their way into his cathedral, accosted him on the altar, and insisted he back down from his ecclesial demands. They martyred him upon his refusal, to which he shouted, repeating the words of Jesus, “Into thy hands, Lord, I commend my spirit!” Circumstance that brought with it responsibility transformed a merrymaker into a martyr; a partyer into a pray-er; a sinner into a saint! Do you see why there’s always hope, and what taking on the mission of Christ means for you and me?
Two
Too often, we fail at our discipleship, not because we are bad, but because we think we’re bad and don’t deserve God’s love. Thomas didn’t allow the devil’s lie that he was too far gone to defeat him. Instead, he rose to the occasion because He knew what Christ could do.
The actions we’ve chosen do not make us the person we are in a way that is set in stone. Don’t think about who you were yesterday; but think about who you want to be tomorrow, and let grace lead the way.
Three
In the movie, Becket, there is a great scene when a young monk plots to kill the new Archbishop, as Becket’s reputation as the king’s party-animal friend brought scandal to the Church. As the monk hides in Becket’s quarters waiting for his chance, he spies the new Bishop giving away his finest things to distribute to the poor. This discovery moves the young monk to step out of the darkness and into the light to confesses his sinful plan to the archbishop. Thomas completely forgives him, holding no grudge or resentment. The monk thus becomes one of St. Thomas’ closest advisers. Giving generously to the poor out of love of Christ convinced the murderer to repent and follow. The movie scene characterizes how Thomas Becket completely reformed his life once he assumed the new responsibility, so much respect did he have for Christ and His Church. Our Lord trusted US with a holy responsibility at our baptism and confirmation: to fight for the Church in a skeptical age and spread the Good News. If a party-animal can change and receive canonization as a noble witness, think of what you can do!
Four
When I was in the army, I knew a guy we’ll call William, who was always one step away from getting into major trouble. I ran into him towards the end of my military service and discovered that he had been promoted to a leadership role. Shocked, I asked him what happened? He read my mind and said, “I know what you’re thinking: how did I get promoted? You know, my commander was the first person who ever believed in me and expected higher things from me. And the Army promoted me! I have never felt so appreciated!” The opportunity, the circumstance, and responsibility afforded him had the same affect as it did on St. Thomas Becket. When someone believes in us, perhaps when we don’t feel we deserve it, this can change us like no other opportunity. When I had my conversion experience that brought me back to the Church, I felt as if the Virgin Mary herself had appeared to me to say, ‘You may not believe in my Son (I was not a believer at that time), but He believes in you!” This made all the difference!
Five
Though far from a faultless character, Thomas Becket, when his time of testing came, had the courage to lay down his life to defend the ancient rights of the Church against an aggressive state. His courage actually transformed the king, who accepted months of severe penance and even public whipping for his sins. He humbled himself, converted his heart, and never again tried to overcome the Church with his rule. Conversion; courage; detachment; trust: these are the virtues that make saints. We mustn’t think, ‘oh my gosh, what would I do in that moment?’ Grace comes in the moment. Becket didn’t know, either, but God provided, he responded, and now is a saint. Today, discern where you’ve lost hope or confidence, aske St. Thomas Becket to intercede and restore your grace!