Homily – June 22, 2009 – Sts. Thomas More & John Fisher

Today we celebrate a timely feast day: Sts. Thomas More and John Fisher. Both lived in 15^th century England. Thomas was Chancellor of King Henry VIII – and he along with Bishop John Fisher stayed their consciences against the marriage of the King to Anne Boleyn. They both were executed and died a martyr's death for the faith.

In our day and age Christians across the board are called upon to stay their consciences on behalf of the faith against the wiles of the evil one that prowl society seeking the ruin of souls. The insidious nature of his ploys call for the same kind of staunch opposition if the brightness of the Light of Christ is ever to increase in a world so darkened by confusion, bad choices and sin.

The moral climate of an era cannot help but affect all of the society that it touches: if the climate is dark and stormy, so will the conditions in the society be; if the climate is light and pleasant, so will the conditions in the society be. Quality of morality precedes quality of society!

As St. Peter wrote in the first reading: do not be surprised that a trial by fire is occurring among you – but rejoice to the extent that you share in the sufferings of Christ so that when his glory is revealed you may also rejoice exultantly.
If you are insulted for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you…. Those who suffer in accord with God's will hand their souls over to a faithful creator as they do good.

Yes, we are blessed when we are persecuted for the sake of true righteousness: the very kingdom of heaven will be ours!

St. Thomas More, St. John Fisher and so many others lost their lives but found it just as Jesus promised they would. Taking up the cross and following Jesus never was meant to be easy, but it was certainly meant to be something that could be done with his help, with the help of the Holy Spirit.

May the Spirit of Christ help us this day to stand up for the faith wherever and whenever necessary!