Thomas Becket (c. 1118–1170) served as Lord Chancellor of England under King Henry II before becoming Archbishop of Canterbury in 1162. His defense of the Church's rights brought him into prolonged conflict with the king, forcing him into exile in France for six years. On December 29, 1170, four knights murdered him in Canterbury Cathedral, and he was canonized by Pope Alexander III in 1173.
Thomas Becket shows that fidelity to God must come before comfort, career, and even the favor of the powerful. Once entrusted with the care of the Church, he set aside his old life of privilege and stood firm in conscience, accepting exile and death rather than betray his duty. His witness invites us to courage when faithfulness carries a cost.
O God, who gave the martyr Saint Thomas Becket the courage to lay down his life for the sake of justice, grant that we may deny ourselves for the sake of Christ and hold fast to the truth without fear. Amen.