June 22, St. Thomas More

God upholds his city for ever. — Psalm 48:(see 9)

Mass Readings: 2 Kings 19:9-11,14-21,31-35,36 /Matthew 7:6,12-14

A Funny Saint and Husband

St. Thomas More was a great lawyer, a devout Catholic, and a martyr who was beheaded in 1535 after refusing to acknowledge England’s king as the supreme head of the Roman Catholic Church in that country. His biographers use two other adjective to describe him: humorous and wise. His quips not only disarmed enemies, but also gained for him a beautiful, loyal wife who laughed her way through their marriage and difficult times. Wisdom led him to understand that marriage, rather than the priesthood, was God’s will for hi m . Wisdom also took him to martyrdom instead of betrayal of Christ, and on to heaven.  

Wisdom tells me that I need laughter in my life, too. When things go wrong, a sense of humor can seem to miraculously melt away frustration and anger.

Prayer: St. Thomas More, through your intercession, may I gain heavenly wisdom and joy.