Today is the Feast of Saint Thomas More--the Tudor era Lord Chancellor of England who refused to recognize King Henry VIII as head of the Church of England when he broke from the Catholic Church. Thomas More was convicted of treason and beheaded on July 6, 1535. He told the crowd that had gathered to witness his execution that he was "the King's good servant-but God's first."
Do we have the same conviction and bravery as he did? It may one day be asked of us. These are days in which the Church is being persecuted and prosecuted even in western countries for "hate speech" merely for continuing to hold to its centuries-old teachings.
His final words are so beautiful. He approached his executioner and said, "Do not hesitate to do your duty. You send me to God."
ReplyDeleteHe was a brave person in an uncertain time.
ReplyDeleteI always pray that God will give me the strength to pass the test.
ReplyDeleteBut I have read of some martyrdoms that have struck fear in my heart!
Oh, definitely!
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