Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice! — Psalm 96:11a

Mass Readings: 1 John 2:3-11/Luke 2:22-35 

A Playboy Saint 

I In 1959, Jean Anouilh finished his play “Becket or the Honor of God.” It depicts the initial camaraderie of two loose-living young friends, Thomas and King Henry II. Struggling to get money out of the bishops, the King decides to make Thomas the Archbishop of Canterbury, thinking he’ll now have a friend on the “inside.” On assuming office, however, Thomas suddenly finds he has something to live for — and die for: the honor of God. He gives away all he owns and finds unimagined joy and peace. 

Like Simeon in today’s Gospel, Thomas is now ready to surrender his life, for his eyes also “have seen the salvation” which God has “prepared in the sight of every people.” God invites us also to find the same joy and peace if we surrender to His love.

Prayer: St. Thomas, help me to live for the honor of God.