A Saint Who Told the Truth
Yesterday was the feast of St. Thomas More, executed by King Henry VIII in 1535. Martin Saints eleventh graders know him well because they study "A Man for All Seasons," a biographical play.
This play was made into a movie in 1966. In one of cinema's all-time great scenes, More's family urge him to take a legal short-cut and put a dangerous opponent in jail. But More will not be moved and he will not rationalize cheating. More believed that the ends do not justify the means, and, even when it's politically tempting, Catholics may not do evil that good may come. More insisted on the rule of law for the protection of all, even when it was costly to him personally.
With respect to More's greatness, this scene is but the tip of the iceberg. In light of what's been happening in our country lately, I've never felt so close to him, so desiring his intercession, as I do today.
More told the truth, even when it wasn't popular socially or politically. Joining a political tribe or even a mob can feel cathartic; there's consolation being a member of any group. But More had the patience and discipline to judge carefully. A man of deep prayer and given to ascetic penances, More was spiritually strong enough to be lonely, ranking his Catholic integrity as more sacred than membership in any political faction.
More was principled, insisting on the fullness of Catholic teaching and the primacy of Catholic identity, even when most of England's bishops and priests were making politically expedient oaths to the King. More did not make excuses for his ruler's lechery and palpable lack of character.
More was a great and cosmopolitan scholar, corresponding with his friend and fellow humanist Erasmus of Rotterdam, resisting the Reformation but not denying that the Church needed profound reform.
St. Thomas More is a man for all seasons, but he is very much a man for the present moment. If you're confused about the changes happening in our society, if you see fragments of the truth scattered all around but the fullness of truth to be scarce, if you want to know how to witness to the truth in these strange times: please join me in prayers for the intercession of More.
And - if you agree that authentic and full Catholic witness is important now more than ever - there's one other thing you can do: register yourself, or let a friend know, about our upcoming "virtual open house" at Martin Saints Classical High School.
We believe that the current crisis has many families reconsidering what is most important in education. We are still accepting students for this fall. That's why anyone is welcome to join us online at 7pm on July 13, especially prospective students and their parents.
RSVP here and we'll send you the online practical details. Or see here for a flier and a link you can forward to friends, and tell them "it's not too late" to think about their high school plans.
As ever, please contact us with any questions.
