Love of Country....and "More"

As we celebrate the 4th of July this weekend, we remember with thanksgiving the many blessings God has bestowed upon this nation. We think of the freedoms we enjoy - freedoms that Americans have been willing to fight for....freedoms that Americans have been willing to die for. Their great sacrifice begs the question...just what are you and I willing to die for?

Earlier this week we celebrated the feast day of Sir Thomas More, a man willing to die, but for a cause greater even than love of country. Born in England in 1477, More was educated at Oxford. A devout Christian, he initially considered a vocation to the priesthood or a monastic life. But the Lord led him into politics - beginning with his election to Parliament in 1501 and rising in time to the position of Chancellor. His devotion to England and the King were known throughout the land but when King Henry VIII divorced his wife and married Ann Boleyn - in strict defiance of the Catholic Church - More refused to approve the marriage. Pitted against his beloved King, Henry ordered him to prison and sentenced him to die unless he recanted.

But his love for Christ and His Church was far greater love than his love for his country; More was ready for this test. For years he had awakened each morning at 2:00 a.m. to pray for four hours before beginning his day. He attended Mass daily and was known throughout the country as a man of integrity, faith and devotion - first to God, then to his family, then to his king.

With a strong personal faith in his savior, Jesus Christ, More knew he would not recant. Instead, he used his final weeks in prison writing love letters to his wife and children, urging them to reamain steadfast in their faith. Tried and found guilty of treason, the Chancellor of England, Sir Thomas More, was beheaded. He was 58 years old.

Named a saint of the Church in 1935, Thomas More is a vivid reminder that true love of country is best expressed by love of Christ. As we follow His commandments, instituted by His Church, we embrace what is best for our nation.

As in More's day, the sacredness of marriage and family life is under attack in our culture as well. A rampant divorce rate, the legalization of so-called "same sex marriage" and the legal right to abortion all tear at the very fabric of our society and at life itself. More made his view clear - he stood with Christ and His Church in defending marriage, the family and life. How about you and me - as Christians, are we strong enough to stand with Christ and His Church on these issues? We can be if we prepare ourselves for the battle - through prayer and the Sacraments.

As all of us celebrate this 4th of July, let's remember that we have an even higher calling than love of country...love of Christ and fidelity to Christ.

And now go be a saint!