One of the most powerful people in sixteenth-century England was Thomas More. He was a famous scholar, writer, and lawyer. He was also a loving father and a faithful friend. One of his friends described him as "wise, gentle, full of mirth, and a man for all seasons." How could such a man have been executed as a traitor? During Thomas' life, King Henry VIII demanded that everyone sign an oath recognizing the king and not the pope as the head of the Church in England. Thomas was a man of faith who loved God and the Church. His conscience would not allow him to swear to something he did not believe was right. He would not trade his very self—his values and beliefs—even to save his life. A Prayerful Scene
She told him to say the words of the oath and think otherwise in his heart. More answered that when a man takes an oath, he's holding his own self in his hands. It is like holding water. Cupping his hands, More said that if he opened his fingers then he would lose himself just like he would lose the water. Margaret begged him to reconsider. She asked hadn't he done as much as God could reasonably want? He responded by saying that, finally, it isn't a matter of reason; it is a matter of love. Listen to God's Word
A Meditation on My
Own Self Cup your hands. Imagine you are holding within them your inner self and all that you hold dear. Ask God to help you keep these secure—not to let your fingers open—not to let anything slip away. My Prayer Goes On
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A Saint for All Seasons—St. Thomas
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