22 June 2021 Saints John Fisher, Bishop, and Thomas More, Martyrs
Even if for the present I would avoid the punishment of mortals, yet whether I live or die I will not escape the hands of the Almighty. Therefore, by bravely giving up my life now, I will show myself worthy of my old age and leave to the young a noble example of how to die a good death willingly and nobly for the revered and holy laws.’
2 Maccabees 6:18,21,24-31, NRSV
These are the words of the High Priest Eleazar who had voluntarily accepted torture and death rather than disobeying the Mosaic law by eating pig’s flesh. This example of fidelity and courage has been repeated in the lives of many saints, not least in the lives of the two martyrs we honour today. Both John Fisher and Thomas More were executed for their refusal to accept King Henry VIII as the supreme Head of the Church of England and refusal, even in the face of torture, to take the oath of Supremacy. The reported words of Thomas More as he was about to be executed echo the sentiment of those words of Eleazar – ” I die the Kings good servant, but God’s first.
- What effect do you think the martyrdom of Eleazar, Fisher and More had on the people of their time?
- Does your commitment to you faith ever cause conflict – how do you resolve this?
Give thanks for the many martyrs whose sacrifices have enabled us to practise our faith with greater freedom.
