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Thomas Becket: Difference between revisions
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[[File:Meister Francke 007.jpg|thumb|alt=Thomas Becket on horseback|Thomas Becket]] | [[File:Meister Francke 007.jpg|thumb|alt=Thomas Becket on horseback|Thomas Becket]] | ||
(1118–1170) archbishop of Canterbury, an incarnation of the | (1118–1170) archbishop of Canterbury, an incarnation of the ascended master [[El Morya]]. He was deeply devoted to the will of God and endured years of conflict with King Henry II over the rights of Church versus State. Becket was brutally murdered in his own cathedral by four knights who acted in response to Henry's desire to be rid “of this turbulent priest.” For centuries after his death, pilgrims flocked to his tomb at Canterbury and Saint Thomas worked many miracles there. | ||
== Early life == | == Early life == | ||
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In 1161, Archbishop Theobald died and Henry called Becket to fill the office. The chancellor declined, however, warning the king that such a position would separate them on moral principles. Sir Thomas told him: “There are several things you do now in prejudice of the rights of the Church which make me fear you would require of me what I could not agree to.” The king paid no heed and hastened to have Thomas consecrated archbishop on the octave of Pentecost, 1162. | In 1161, Archbishop Theobald died and Henry called Becket to fill the office. The chancellor declined, however, warning the king that such a position would separate them on moral principles. Sir Thomas told him: “There are several things you do now in prejudice of the rights of the Church which make me fear you would require of me what I could not agree to.” The king paid no heed and hastened to have Thomas consecrated archbishop on the octave of Pentecost, 1162. | ||
Obedient to the king and in loving submission to the will of God, Becket left his household and his finery and began the life of an ascetic. Next to his skin he secretly wore a hairshirt. The beloved archbishop spent his days distributing alms to the poor, studying Holy Scripture, visiting the infirmary | Obedient to the king and in loving submission to the will of God, Becket left his household and his finery and began the life of an ascetic. Next to his skin he secretly wore a hairshirt. The beloved archbishop spent his days distributing alms to the poor, studying Holy Scripture, visiting the infirmary and supervising monks in their work. | ||
== Conflict with the king == | == Conflict with the king == | ||