22 June 2018
Memorial of St.s Thomas More and John Fisher
“Store up treasures in heaven”
As St. Thomas More was about to die by decapitation, he is quoted as saying, “I die the king’s good servant, but God’s first.” He and many others in Henry VIII’s England stood to gain much by affirming Henry’s ecclesiastical claims. But St. Thomas could not do so in good conscience. He was asked by family and friends to do so, and still he remained silent about the kings claims. Finally, when condemned for treason, More argued against the injustice of his sentence, but still maintained his adherence to his Catholic faith that the successor of St. Peter (not the king) was the one entrusted with the universal office of governing the Church so as to strengthen the faith of all those bearing the name of Christian. Again, there was much to be gained by going with Henry, much to be lost by not complying. Yet, as we saw in the first reading, Athalia’s unjust reign, like that of every unjust ruler, was eventually brought to an end. We are called to serve that Lord of Lords and King of kings whose reign never ends. Will we serve him? Shall we seek some other reward if it demands forfeiting our covenant with the one who dwells in Zion? Rather than a longer life, political favor, etc., St. Thomas suffered death as a criminal. He did not seek reward on earth. Rather, aware that God is able to strengthen us against every trial on earth and offer every good thing in the life to come, St. Thomas More was able leave this world ready to enjoy the treasures of fidelity and truth which he stored up by his sufferings. By his intercession, may we prove joyfully faithful to the Lord.