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Fifth Day Within the Octave of the Nativity of the Lord

Christmas Time
Saint Thomas Becket, Bishop and Martyr optional memorial
Mass Readings → Liturgy of the Hours →

Selected Mass Reading

First Reading — 1 John 2:3-11

And by this we know that we have known him, if we keep his commandments. He who saith that he knoweth him and keepeth not his commandments is a liar: and the truth is not in him. But he that keepeth his word, in him in very deed the charity of God is perfected. And by this we know that we are in him. He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also to walk even as he walked. Dearly beloved, I write not a new commandment to you, but an old commandment which you had from the beginning. The old commandment is the word which you have heard. Again a new commandment I write unto you: which thing is true both in him and in you, because the darkness is passed and the true light now shineth. He that saith he is in the light and hateth his brother is in darkness even until now. He that loveth his brother abideth in the light: and there is no scandal in him. But he that hateth his brother is in darkness and walketh in darkness and knoweth not whither he goeth: because the darkness hath blinded his eyes.

Saints Memorialized Today

Thomas Becket
Thomas Becket Archbishop of Canterbury, Catholic bishop, Catholic priest, Martyr, Theologian, Royal chancellor 1119–1171

Thomas Becket was born on 21 December 1119 or 1120 in Cheapside, London, to Gilbert and Matilda Beket. Educated in London and Paris, he entered church service under Archbishop Theobald of Canterbury, who recognized his gifts and sent him to study canon law. In 1155 Becket became Lord Chancellor to King Henry II, serving with notable skill and enjoying the king’s trust. In 1162 he was chosen Archbishop of Canterbury. To many, his life seemed to change overnight: he resigned the chancellorship, embraced a more austere spirit, and began to defend the Church’s freedom with unwavering resolve. This brought him into bitter conflict with Henry II, especially over the king’s attempts to limit ecclesiastical rights through the Constitutions of Clarendon. Condemned at Northampton, Becket fled into exile in France, enduring years of hardship while continuing to uphold the Church’s authority. Returning to England in 1170, he renewed censures against bishops who had violated Canterbury’s privileges. Soon after, he was murdered in Canterbury Cathedral by men acting in the king’s name. Honored as a martyr, he is patron of places including Portsmouth. His feast day is December 29.