Saint
Thomas Becket,
Bishop and Martyr
Optional Memorial
December 29th
Stained
glass -- St. Thomas Becket kneels before altar with monk attendant
Christ Church Cathedral North aisle Canterbury, England
(1118 - 1170) Born in London, he returned to England after studying in Paris. He first was chancellor to the king and then in 1162 was chosen Archbishop of Canterbury. A deep conversion followed his appointment as archbishop, as he went from being "a patron of play-actors and a follower of hounds" to being "a shepherd of souls." He absorbed himself in the duties of his new office, defending the rights of the Church against Henry II. This prompted the king to exile him to France for six years. After returning to his homeland, he endured many trials and was murdered by agents of the king.
Source: Daily Roman Missal, Edited by Rev. James Socías, Midwest Theological Forum, Chicago, Illinois ©2003
Collect:
Almighty God,
You granted the martyr Thomas
the grace to give his life for the cause of justice.
By his prayers
make us willing to renounce for Christ
our life in this world
so that we may find it in heaven.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. +Amen.
First Reading
-- 2 Timothy 2:8-13;3:10-12
Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, descended from David, as preached in my gospel, the gospel for which I am suffering and wearing fetters like a criminal. But the word of God is not fettered. Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain salvation in Christ Jesus with its eternal glory. The saying is sure: If we have died with Him, we shall also live with Him; if we endure, we shall also reign with Him; if we deny Him, He also will deny us; if we are faithless, He remains faithful -- for He cannot deny Himself.
Now you have observed my teaching, my conduct, my aim in life, my faith, my patience, my love, my steadfastness, my persecutions, my sufferings, what befell me at Antioch, at Iconium, and at Lystra, what persecutions I endured; yet from them all the Lord rescued me. Indeed all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.
Gospel Reading
-- Matthew 16:24-27
Then Jesus told His disciples,
"If any man would come after me, let him deny himself and
take up his cross and follow Me. For whoever would save his life
will lose it, and whoever loses his life for My sake will find
it. For what will it profit a man, if he gains the whole world
and forfeits his life? Or what shall a man give in return for
his life? For the Son of man is to come with His angels in the
glory of His Father, and then He will repay every man for what
he has done.
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