Our patron saint has captured human hearts and minds for five centuries. His wit and warmth, reason and judgment, and most especially his immutable faith have drawn scholars and thinking persons to ponder the meaning of his life and death. Born in 1478, he was the son of a prominent English lawyer. Thomas More received an excellent education, first as a page in the household of a cardinal and later as a classical scholar at Oxford. Although he prepared for the priesthood, he found his vocation as a lawyer, devoted husband, and father. King Henry VIII chose him for various missions and promoted him in a series of high posts, finally naming him Chancellor of the Realm. He became the first layman to occupy this office. A forward thinking man, Thomas saw to the classical education of his daughter (an unlikely notion in that time) and advocated church reform. Despite such avant garde thought, however, he refused to acknowledge Henry VIII as head of the English church. His refusal led to imprisonment in the Tower of London. In the face of death Thomas More held steadfastly to his faith commitment. He was beheaded in 1535. Four hundred years later, in 1935, Thomas More was canonized. His feast day is celebrated on June 22. Prayer of St. Thomas MoreLord, grant me a holy heart that sees always what is true and pureand is not frightened at the sight of sin, but creates order wherever it goes. Grant me a heart that knows nothing of boredom, weeping, and sighing. Let me not be too concerned with the bothersome thing I call “myself.” Lord, give me a sense of humor, and I will find happiness in life and profit for others. |
|
