Today is the Feast Day of St. Thomas Becket

Bishop and Martyr

The Life of St. Thomas Becket

The martyrdom of St. Thomas Becket invites us to a deeper reflection on the intricate interplay between faith, conscience, and authority—a theme as relevant today as it was in the 12th century. Becket’s journey from the chancellor of England to the Archbishop of Canterbury is not merely a historical account; it is a spiritual odyssey that challenges us to consider the cost of discipleship and the unwavering commitment to God's will.

Initially, Becket’s life was marked by a worldly ambition, reflective of his position as King Henry II’s chancellor. His initial appointment as Archbishop seemed to promise the king a compliant Church leader. However, Becket’s transformation upon assuming the archepiscopal office is a profound testament to the grace of conversion. This change wasn't merely a political maneuver but a genuine interior renewal, akin to the conversion of St. Paul. Becket embraced his pastoral role with zeal, defending the Church’s rights against royal encroachments.

The conflict between Becket and Henry II underscores a perennial tension: the relationship between secular authority and the spiritual mission of the Church. Becket’s resistance to the Constitutions of Clarendon, which sought to diminish ecclesiastical independence, wasn't a struggle for power but a defense of the Church's divine mandate. His stance echoes the Augustinian view of the two cities – the City of God and the City of Man – wherein the spiritual authority must guide the temporal without being subjugated by it.

Becket’s martyrdom, occurring within the sacred space of Canterbury Cathedral, is a stark reminder of the cost of faithfulness. In his willingness to die for the Church’s liberty, Becket epitomizes Christ’s teaching: “No one has greater love than this, to lay down one's life for one's friends” (John 15:13). His martyrdom, therefore, is not just a historical event but a theological statement on the witness of life. It invites contemplation on the mystery of the Cross, where suffering and fidelity converge into a powerful testimony of faith.

Becket's story is a call to examine our conscience, especially in positions of authority. The transformation he underwent speaks to the potential for growth and conversion in every soul, a central theme in Catholic spirituality which emphasizes continual interior growth. His life poses challenging questions: Are we open to God's transformative grace? Do our actions bear witness to our convictions?

In the broader narrative of Church history, Becket stands as a beacon of ecclesiastical autonomy and the integrity of conscience. His legacy is a reminder that the Church, while navigating the temporal realm, is ultimately guided by a transcendent authority. As we reflect on his life, we are called to discern our own paths of fidelity, bearing in mind that true leadership in the Christian context is marked by humility, service, and, sometimes, the courage to stand alone for the sake of truth.

In this light, St. Thomas Becket's life is not just a historical account but a living lesson on the complexities of faith, authority, and moral courage—a lesson that continues to resonate in the hearts of believers, calling them to a deeper commitment to Christ and His Church.

A letter of St Thomas Becket

To receive the crown, one must have truly fought

If we who are called bishops desire to understand the meaning of our calling and to be worthy of it, we must strive to keep our eyes on him whom God appointed high priest for ever, and to follow in his footsteps. For our sake he offered himself to the Father upon the altar of the cross. He now looks down from heaven on our actions and secret thoughts, and one day he will give each of us the reward his deeds deserve.

As successors of the apostles, we hold the highest rank in our churches; we have accepted the responsibility of acting as Christ’s representatives on earth; we receive the honor belonging to that office, and enjoy the temporal benefits of our spiritual labors. It must therefore be our endeavor to destroy the reign of sin and death, and by nurturing faith and uprightness of life, to build up the Church of Christ into a holy temple in the Lord.

There are a great many bishops in the Church, but would to God we were the zealous teachers and pastors that we promised to be at our consecration, and still make profession of being. The harvest is good and one reaper or even several would not suffice to gather all of it into the granary of the Lord. Yet the Roman Church remains the head of all the churches and the source of Catholic teaching. Of this there can be no doubt. Everyone knows that the keys of the kingdom of heaven were given to Peter. Upon his faith and teaching the whole fabric of the Church will continue to be built until we all reach full maturity in Christ and attain to unity in faith and knowledge of the Son of God.

Of course many are needed to plant and many to water now that the faith has spread so far and the population become so great. Even in ancient times when the people of God had only one altar, many teachers were needed; how much more now for an assembly of nations which Lebanon itself could not provide with fuel for sacrifice, and which neither Lebanon nor the whole of Judaea could supply with beasts for burnt offerings! Nevertheless, no matter who plants or waters, God gives no harvest unless what he plants is the faith of Peter, and unless he himself assents to Peter’s teaching. All important questions that arise among God’s people are referred to the judgement of Peter in the person of the Roman Pontiff. Under him the ministers of Mother Church exercise the powers committed to them, each in his own sphere of responsibility.

Remember then how our fathers worked out their salvation; remember the sufferings through which the Church has grown, and the storms the ship of Peter has weathered because it has Christ on board. Remember how the crown was attained by those whose sufferings gave new radiance to their faith. The whole company of saints bears witness to the unfailing truth that without real effort no-one wins the crown.

Let Us Pray

O God, who gave the Martyr Saint Thomas Becket the courage to give up his life for the sake of justice, grant, through his intercession, that, renouncing our life for the sake of Christ in this world, we may find it in heaven.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever.

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