Life of St. Thomas Becket:
St. Thomas Becket was born in London in 1118 and served as a trusted advisor to King Henry II of England. Initially, Thomas was appointed Archbishop of Canterbury in 1162, despite his earlier reluctance. Once in this role, Becket underwent a dramatic transformation from a loyal servant of the king to a staunch defender of the Church’s independence.
As Archbishop, Becket vigorously upheld the rights and privileges of the Church, often clashing with King Henry II over the issue of royal interference in Church affairs. The king sought to assert control over clerical matters, but Becket resisted, believing that the Church must remain free from secular influence. Their conflict came to a head in 1170 when Becket excommunicated several of the king’s supporters. Enraged, Henry is believed to have exclaimed, “Will no one rid me of this turbulent priest?” This led to the martyrdom of St. Thomas Becket when four knights, believing they were acting on the king’s wishes, killed him in Canterbury Cathedral on December 29, 1170.
St. Thomas Becket’s death made him a martyr for the Church and a symbol of courage in standing for truth and justice, even at great personal cost. He was canonized as a saint in 1173.
Practical Lessons:
- Lesson 1: Stand Firm for What’s Right, Even When It’s Difficult: St. Thomas Becket’s willingness to stand up for the Church’s independence, even in the face of royal power, teaches us the importance of standing firm for what’s right. In everyday life, this could mean speaking up for justice in the workplace or family, or standing by our values even when others might disagree.
- Lesson 2: Respect for Authority, but with Boundaries: While Becket was loyal to the king, he knew there were limits to the king’s authority. This reminds us to respect those in authority, whether at work, in the community, or at home, but also to recognize when authority oversteps boundaries, particularly when it affects our values or the common good.
Prayer to St. Thomas Becket:
O God, who didst grant to St. Thomas Becket the courage to defend the rights of the Church, even unto death, help us to stand firm in our own faith and convictions. May we always seek to honor You above all, and may we be brave in the face of adversity, just as St. Thomas was. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Quote from St. Thomas Becket:
“Willingly would I die, if by my death I could bestow peace upon the Church of God.”
