Thomas Becket By Jan McKinney. Thomas Becket Saxon, friend of Henry, Lord Chancellor of England, Arch- Bishop of Canterbury, Martyr and Catholic Saint

Transcription

1 Characters: Narrator Canterbury Cathedral, England Thomas Becket By Jan McKinney Thomas Becket Saxon, friend of Henry, Lord Chancellor of England, Arch- Bishop of Canterbury, Martyr and Catholic Saint King Henry II - Norman, King of England, Ruler of the Angevin Empire Queen Eleanor of Aquitaine (wife of Henry) Empress Matilda (Mother of Henry) Princess Eleanor (daughter of Henry & Eleanor later to be Queen of Castille) Princess Alys of France ( ) -- (daughter of King Louis Capet) Princess Margaret of France ( ) (daughter of King Louis Capet, wife of young King Henry son of Henry II & Eleanor) Countess Petronella ( ) sister to Eleanor Lady Emma Lady in waiting to Queen Eleanor Old Man 4 Cloaked Knights 1

2 Narrator: Greed, political power, betrayal, separation of church and state, searching for the righteous and honorable and murder these are all topics that could be seen on any given day on any number of modern media outlets - especially now in the political season of 2016 hopefully not the murder part. However, these are not new topics, they are in fact ancient topics. Together, today we will travel back in time, to see a story about these very same topics. We will go to the 1160s Early Medieval England and Normandy for a tale of friendship, hate, greed, ambition and murder. The main characters are historical figures, with some dramatic license taken regarding ages and conversations. Our story commences in England in the Royal Household of King Henry II and Queen Eleanor. Act 1, Scene 1 A Royal Castle in England mid 1160s (Empress Matilda is sewing in her audience chamber, Queen Eleanor and Countess Petronella come in and they all sit together sewing) Empress Matilda: Good day Eleanor, Petronella Queen Eleanor: Good day to you Empress. Petronella: (Curtsies) Good day My Lady Empress Matilda: Where is my son? Surely he will be here to greet me before meeting with the Lords and Barons. Queen Eleanor: (sarcastically) Where else would he be my lady? Why he is out hunting with Becket. You know they are always together. If I did not know better my lady, I would say you birthed a set of un-identical twins. Matilda: (irritated/annoyed) Hunting? With Becket! It is so cold why would he want to hunt in weather like this? Sometimes I just do not understand men! We just received a messenger who said that the envoy from Castille will be here by mid-day to discuss the terms of Princess Eleanor s betrothal to the King of Castille! Henry must be here to greet them. This is an important match. There is no time for such frivolous behavior! Queen Eleanor: Oh, my lady, I am sure he will be here. The problem is that the Castillian envoy will probably not recognize him. I do not know what to do with Henry. He always walks around in those plain old clothes like he s just in from the hunt or even a commoner going to work. The Castilians will likely mistake Becket for King. He certainly struts around like a peacock in all of his finery! 2

3 Petronella: Becket acts like he is the King. Everyone can see the desire for power all over his face. Everyone, that is, except the King can see this -- King Henry, does not see anything but wonderful in Becket! Matilda: Eleanor, you must persuade Henry to present himself in a more ROYAL manner. Maybe wear his crown more often? We cannot let this Becket fellow have so much influence over Henry. Queen Eleanor: Empress, I know you know your son s temper. The servant s call it the Angevin Rage -- like it is some horrible illness. The last time I approached Henry about his dress and about dear Becket, he flew into such a temper. He ranted and raved and even flung himself on the floor saying that no one understood him like Becket and that I was just jealous! Perhaps, you, Lady Mother, should approach him this time. Petronella: My lady Empress, I was there it was truly a frightening sight! Matilda: And, I am not so sure how I feel about this Becket fellow either. I think he has far too much power for someone of such a lowly beginning. What has the world come to..a Saxon merchant s son as the Lord Chancellor England? I know he was educated in the priory and that he worked in the Arch-Bishop s household, but he seems far from the religious type certainly a very worldly man by his appearance. Lady Emma: I beg your pardon your graces, but I ve just come from the Great Hall and the Barons are getting quite restless. They keep asking when the King will arrive. Queen Eleanor: Send the Royal Musicians to entertain them and inform the kitchens that we will dine within the hour. Hopefully a little music, food and wine will distract them until the King decides to find time to join us. Lady Emma: Yes, my lady. Queen Eleanor: Also, Lady Emma, would you summon the princesses to the Great Hall? Lady Emma: Of course, your Grace. (she exits) Queen Eleanor: Please excuse me Empress. I will see you in the Great Hall as soon as I can get ready, perhaps together we can keep the Barons calm. Matilda: Hopefully, my son will grace us with his appearance soon and I think I will have a little talk with him later. (she exits) 3

4 Queen Eleanor: Petronella, can you help prepare me for dinner. I fear Lady Emma will be a while with the princesses. Petronella: Yes, sister, I would be delighted. You know Eleanor, I would not want to be in the room when the King s Lady Mother talks to him about his appearance! I bet it will be a very loud discussion! Queen Eleanor: You are quite right Petronella! But, Henry is usually more indulgent of his mother than anyone else. (Eleanor and Petronella leave) Act 1, Scene 2: (In the Princess Eleanor s Chamber) (Princesses Eleanor, Margaret and Alys are together, Margaret is brushing Alys hair) Lady Emma: Princess Margaret, Alys and Eleanor, the Queen has requested your presence for the afternoon meal in the great hall. Have your ladies make you presentable and come to the Great Hall. Princess Eleanor: Thank you Lady Emma, we will be down soon. (Lady Emma bows and leaves) Princess Margaret: (smoothing her dress and primping with her hair) Princess Eleanor, I heard the servants say that the envoy from Castille will be here later today. Are you excited to see them? Princess Alys: I remember when King Henry sent the envoy to Papa s court to negotiate our betrothals. Margaret: I do too. It was the most amazing thing I have ever seen. There were beautiful horses and exotic animals. He even sent a pet monkey! Everyone in the envoy wore beautiful clothes. Lord Chancellor Becket was absolutely dripping with gems and gold. I thought that he was King Henry. Alys: Lord Chancellor Becket was sparkling in the sun. It hurt my eyes to look at him. But, I thought he was the King too. When Papa told me he was just the Lord Chancellor, I thought England must be the richest place on Earth. If the Lord Chancellor dressed like that, what would the King look like? Margaret: I was so nervous to meet the King and Queen, I knew my clothes would be far too plain. 4

5 Princess Eleanor: (laughing) I guess you got a big surprise when you saw my Papa in his plain old clothes. Now, Mama is always beautifully dressed. But, Papa, he prefers to be comfortable. Margaret: When I arrived I thought someone was playing a joke. The King looked nothing like I expected. Compared to the Lord Chancellor he looked plain. But, even though he looked plain, once he spoke it was clear he was the King. He held everyone s attention. Alys: (in a pouting tone - to Princess Eleanor) You and Margaret are so lucky. You will both be queens one day. Princess Eleanor: But, Alys, you will marry my handsome brother Richard and rule over Aquitaine and Normandy. Mama prefers the court in Aquitaine to England. The palaces there are so beautiful and I love the weather there too it is so balmy, not damp like it is here. Alys: Castille is warm too. (pouting) Margaret: (ignoring Alys) What do you think your King will look like? Princess Eleanor: I know King Alfonso has been King since he was 2 years old and he is about 7 years older than me. I hope he is handsome, but not as sparkly as Lord Chancellor Becket. I pray he will like me. Do you think I will be pretty enough to be a queen? Margaret: You are beautiful like your Mother the Queen. I am sure the King of Castille will be happy to have you as his queen. Alys: Come on Eleanor and Margaret, we need to get to the great hall before we get in trouble. (All three Princesses exit together) Act 1, Scene 3: Outside the Castle Walls (Thomas Becket and King Henry are walking together. Becket is wearing a fancy cloak. There is a poor elderly man sitting on the ground shivering) King Henry: My Thomas, that sure is a fancy cloak. Is that silk lined mink? Becket: Yes, Sire. I just received it. The silk is from Outremer (oh-tr-mare) and the furs are from Austria. There is a delightful Italian tailor working in London. King Henry: I believe that is the finest cloak I have ever seen. It is certainly finer than any I own. You are as bad as Eleanor when it comes to clothes. Old Man: My Lords do you have alms for the poor and crippled. 5

6 King Henry: Old man, what happened to your arm? Old Man: I was wounded fighting for the Empress. I was a blacksmith before the war. After I was wounded I was not able to work the furnace any more. King Henry: Good Fellow you look cold. We have no money since we have been hunting, but I think I can help you. Old Man: Bless you kind sir King Henry: Thomas, remove that cloak and give it to this honorable man who was wounded fighting for my Lady Mother. He is clearly cold and I know you have plenty more. Becket: Really Henry?...(Henry scowls at him).of course sire. (Becket takes his time taking his cloak off) King Henry: Come on Becket, this man is cold. (Henry helps Becket remove his cloak and hands it to the old man) The Church teaches us that it is our duty to care for the poor and helpless. Old Man: Bless you, Bless you my Lords! King Henry: Now, let s get back to the palace. I am sure Eleanor is wondering where I am. (Becket walks behind Henry shoulders stooped and pouting) Act 2, Scene 1 - In Eleanor s Chamber Eleanor and Lady Emma are sewing alone, Petronella enters Petronella: Sister! Henry s steward just told me about a great scene in Henry s chamber. Eleanor: What has happened? Lady Emma: Is someone ill or in trouble oh please tell us countess! Petronella: Henry, Becket, and a few knights were in Henry s audience chamber. Empress Matilda barged in holding a crown. She demanded to speak with Henry alone. He refused stating that he was not finished with his game. She proceeded to berate him in front Becket and the others and then she turned on Becket calling him an upstart son of merchants who held too much influence over her son. Emma: Oh, no. Lady Emma covers her mouth with her hands in shock. Eleanor: An Angevin Rage? 6

7 Petronella: They say that Henry was like a volcano erupting. Eleanor: He is usually very patient with his Lady Mother. Emma: The poor Empress, she is only trying to help. Is the king really angry with her? Petronella: Well, he was fairly calm until she started including Becket as a target of her assault. Then it was all out war. Eleanor: Who won? (smiling) I expect that it was quite a bloody scene! Emma: Shhh, my Lady, I hear someone coming. It is the Empress! Matilda enters the room in a rush, obviously upset Matilda: Eleanor, I need Lady Emma s assistance in packing my trunks. I am leaving immediately for Normandy. I cannot abide another moment here. Eleanor: Empress, what has happened? Matilda: My son s judgment is clouded by the merchant s son and I do not wish to witness the loss of everything we have worked so hard to gain. It is time I retire. Eleanor: I do wish you would reconsider, but if you are certain you are departing you may certainly have use of Lady Emma. Matilda: Thank you daughter. I hope my son sees the truth before it is too late. Matilda and Lady Emma leave Henry and Becket come in Eleanor: Henry did you know your mother plans to leave for Normandy today. She is very distressed. Henry: Yes, she is in a temper. It will be better if she is in Normandy to collect her emotions. She forgets that I am the King here. Eleanor: But, Henry, her presence is really needed. The Castillian envoy will be arriving any moment now and they will be expecting her. We cannot let them suspect there is turmoil. You know they are very sensitive. Henry: It will be fine. Remember I am King. Becket: Henry, perhaps Eleanor is correct. Your mother could make negotiations with the Castillians go more smoothly. She has a lot of political influence and this is a very important alliance. We cannot afford for anything to go wrong. 7

8 Henry: She will not listen to me. I am afraid she is quite angry (Henry stomps around, waiving his hands in frustration) Becket: I will speak with her. (Becket leaves to go after Matilda) Petronella: (whispering to Eleanor) Oh no, I am not sure if that is a good idea. Henry: How about a game of chess, Eleanor? I could use a distraction. Eleanor: That sounds delightful. (Henry and Eleanor play chess, Petronella sews) Becket returns holding a crown Everyone looks at him questioningly Becket: Henry, the Empress says she will stay on one condition. Henry: What is that? Becket: That you wear your crown and look like a king when the Castillians arrive. Henry shakes his head in defeat and puts on the crown. Henry returns to the game staring at the chess board. Emma returns to the room. Emma: Your grace (to Eleanor), the Empress no longer needs my help. Is there something I can do for you? Eleanor: Yes, I would love something to drink. Emma: Certainly, madam. Sire, would you like a drink as well? Henry: (distracted) Hmmm. Oh yes. Emma: May I get you a glass as well, Lord Chancellor? Becket: No thank you, lady Emma, I am fine. Eleanor: (Henry is still staring at the board, Eleanor is annoyed that he is distracted) Henry, it is your move. Henry: Yes, I know. I was just thinking about the Bishop. Emma brings the drinks to Henry & Eleanor Eleanor: What are you talking about? You do not have to move your bishop. You are really distracted aren t you? Henry: (ignoring her and staring at the chess board) You know, a king should be more powerful than a bishop. 8

9 Becket: Of course sire everyone knows that the King is the most powerful person in the land. Henry: Then why is it, in my own kingdom, that the bishops have more power than I do. Eleanor: I do not understand. What are you talking about, Henry! Henry: Did you hear about the monk from Lincoln who was found guilty of killing an old man and stealing all of his money and his horse? In the King s court that is punishable by the death penalty. He should hang! But, because he had taken Holy Orders he is punishable only by the Church Court, which means he will have to do a small penance and then be reassigned. Eleanor: That is certainly not just Becket: No, there is much corruption in the church Henry: Then there was the clerk in the bishop s household who abused a young girl. He had not even taken orders, but was protected because he was part of the bishop s house. He was tried in the church court and transferred. Emma: I heard the servants talking about both of those cases. The entire community was in an uproar. But, how can you fight something as powerful as the church? Becket: Something must be done about this. Henry: A king s job is to protect his people. How can I do this when the church interferes with my justice? Petronella: But, sire, the Church has always handled its own justice. It is an ancient tradition. Henry: I think it is time for a change and maybe soon I will be in a position to make that change. Eleanor: What do you mean? Henry: My dear, we will have to wait and see. Becket: Sire, I believe the envoy will be arriving soon. Perhaps we should change our clothes and get ready? I am sure the Queen and Countess would like some time to freshen up as well. Emma: My lady, would you like the dark green silk gown prepared for you? Eleanor: (distracted) Yes, that will be fine. 9

10 Petronella: Emma, would you see to my pink gown with the embroidered flowers? Emma: Certainly Countess. (They all exit) Act 2, Scene 2 Princess Eleanor s room Margaret and Princess Eleanor are sewing, Alys enters quickly Princess Alys: Margaret, Eleanor, I just came from the Queen s chamber. It was awful! Margaret: What is wrong Alys? Alys: A messenger just arrived from Canterbury! Princess Eleanor: What did he say? Alys: The Arch-Bishop Theobald has died! Princess Eleanor: He was very old and sick, I do not think that this is a surprise. He is at peace now. Alys: (crossing herself) Oh, no that is not the awful part. Margaret: Of course that is awful, the man is dead. (crossing herself) Alys: No, no. I mean of course that is awful, but something else happened that was much worse! The King was with the Queen and the Empress when the messenger arrived. Princess Eleanor: And, then what happened what is worse than dying? Alys: (impatient) Please listen. This is important! The King said that he had to find Lord Chancellor Becket immediately. Margaret: Why did he need Becket immediately? The ArchBishop s death was not unexpected. Alys: The King plans on offering the position of ArchBishop of Canterbury to the Lord Chancellor. Margaret: That s strange. How can he do that? The Lord Chancellor is not a priest! Nor is he very Godly! Princess Eleanor: Oh no, now I understand. That is terrible! Father thinks he can control the church through Becket! 10

11 Alys: That is exactly what he said. He said Becket would be his ally in the church, and that now the King would rule all of the land! The Queen and the Empress were very upset. The Empress said he should not try to do battle with God s church and that Becket was unworthy of the honor! Princess Eleanor: Neither of them like Becket. Grandmama calls him an upstart and a lowly merchant s son. Margaret: The Queen is not happy about how much time the King spends with Becket, so she does not like him either. Princess Eleanor: Oh, I am so worried about Papa. What is he thinking, to involve himself in the church? Alys: There was a very LOUD argument between the three of them. The King insisted that he was going to appoint Lord Chancellor Becket. He said he must control the church! The Queen told him that he would regret that decision. He screamed that He was the King of this land. They were yelling so loudly; I slipped out the side door they never even saw me leave. Act 2, Scene 3 Lord Chancellor s Office Becket is at his desk writing, King Henry enters Henry: Good day Thomas! I have something very important to discuss with you. Becket: As you wish sire. I am always at your service. Henry: Becket, you are my best friend and most trusted advisor. I would trust you with my life. Becket: You honor me, sire. I always strive to serve you well. Henry: I wish to give you another honor. Becket: You have given me so much already, my Lord. Henry: You are so loyal, no one else can serve me in this position. Becket: What position sire? Eleanor walks in and stands silently Henry: Becket, I want you to serve not only as Lord Chancellor, but as ArchBishop of Canterbury Becket: Sire, I cannot. I am not a priest. I am not worthy. 11

12 Henry: That is a small set-back; we can have you ordained. You are well educated. It will not be a problem. You are loyal to ME and that makes you worthy! Becket: Sire, please do not offer me this post; I cannot accept. Should God permit me to be the archbishop of Canterbury, I would soon lose your Majesty's favor, and the affection with which you honor me would be changed into hatred. For 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; and envious persons would not fail to make it the occasion of endless strife between us. Henry: That is nonsense Thomas, you can and you will accept. I will trust no one else in this position. I command it. Am I not the King? Becket: If you command it, I will have no other choice but to accept. Thank you my Lord for your confidence in my abilities, but I really do not feel worthy. Becket bows and kisses Henry s ring and then leaves the room. Eleanor: Henry, what have you done? This is a terrible mistake. I am afraid you will live to deeply regret this decision. Eleanor turns and leaves. Act 2, Scene 4 Princess Eleanor s Room Princess Eleanor, Margaret and Alys are sewing, Lady Emma enters Princess Eleanor: Lady Emma what is wrong? You look like you ve seen a ghost! Lady Emma: I just came from the Great Hall. There was a terrible commotion. A messenger came from Canterbury with a box sent by ArchBishop Becket. Alys: Emma, you know The King and Becket are close, what is so terrible about Becket sending the King a gift? Lady Emma: It was not a gift. Margaret: Come now Emma, you act like there was a snake in the box, what is so terrible? Lady Emma: He has returned the Lord Chancellor s seal and has resigned his post. He says that it is not possible to serve God and the King and he chose God. Princess Eleanor: Poor Papa, I bet he is hurt. Lady Emma: He left the hall without speaking, but the Lords and Barons are outraged! Margaret: I knew this would end badly. 12

13 Lady Emma: I think that this is just the beginning of more bad things to come. Act 3, Scene 1 In the Cathedral at Canterbury Narrator: A great change came over Thomas Becket when he was placed in the position of Arch-Bishop of Canterbury. Almost overnight, he went from the King s ostentatious companion to a humble cleric. Becket had been fiercely loyal to King Henry as Lord Chancellor and as Arch-Bishop of Canterbury that same fervor continued, only the recipient was no longer Henry. Thomas Becket s loyalty was to the Honor of God and the Church. The change was both sudden and dramatic! Becket is alone and is one his knees in prayer. He no longer wears fancy clothes. Becket: Father give me strength to do your will. I must face my friend and King and give him news he will not understand. I know that I must work for the Kingdom of Heaven and not the realm of Henry. I know that I have sinned, Father. I have been covetous. I have desired power and wealth and have put my desire for earthly pleasure above all else. I fear for my immortal soul. I repent Lord and beg your forgiveness. I vow from this day forward to live a life of poverty and humility and to seek the completion of your will only. I have set aside my garments of silk for the plain robes of a monk. I will wear a hair shirt to remind me of my place in this world. I strive only to serve others in order to further the kingdom. Lord have mercy on my soul. Narrator: As you might imagine, King Henry was at first hurt as he felt betrayed by his loyal friend Becket. Then he became angry, and finally, jealous. He could not compete with God for Becket s loyalty. Becket s sole focus became protecting God s kingdom instead of Henry s Kingdom as he had done so well for such a long time. Becket took his new role very seriously. Henry simply did not understand. Becket saw the corruption within the church, but he could not give a secular court power over the church and he continued to battle to keep Henry out of the church s affairs. The conflict continued to escalate. Eventually the conflict became so great that the Archbishop felt the need to flee England for safety in France. For over six years the conflict raged on. Finally in 1170 Pope Alexander intervened and sent a diplomatic group to mediate between the King and Archbishop. An agreement was finally reached. Henry and Becket came to a truce in Normandy and Becket returned to Canterbury. However, the peace did not last long. Act 3, Scene 2: Christmas Court in Normandy King Henry, Queen Eleanor, Princess Eleanor, Petronella, Margaret, Alys and 13

14 Lady Emma and having dinner when a messenger gives the King a rolled parchment. King Henry: after reading the message, shakes his head and hands it to Eleanor who reads it with Petronella. Henry slams his fist on the table. Will he ever learn? This is madness! Eleanor: (shocked) Henry, he has excommunicated the Bishops who were loyal to you! How can this be? Petronella: He is trying to weaken your power by using the church in England. If this continues he will succeed. Are you not the king? Henry: I thought the Pope had mediated a peace! I simply cannot believe this. Slams his fist again against the table. Will I ever be rid of the meddlesome priest? Henry rises and stomps out of the hall. Alys: Margaret! Look at those 4 knights over there. They are acting really weird. Margaret: You are right, I wonder what they are up to? Princess Eleanor: They do look like they are planning something. They should not have left the table like that. If mamma sees them they will be in serious trouble. Alys: Look! They are sneaking out. Margaret: This cannot be good. Henry will be so angry when he discovers they are away without permission. Princess Eleanor: Should we tell someone? Alys: Everyone is so upset, I am afraid we will make it worse. What is they are just sneaking out to court some young ladies? I would hate to ruin their romance! Margaret: I do not know if they are seeking romance, but they are certainly seeking something. Lady Emma: What are you princesses whispering about? Princess Eleanor: Some knights that were acting strangely. Petronella: (overhearing) Were they handsome knights? (the girls are embarrassed and blush) Alys: They were not as handsome as my Prince Richard! Princess Eleanor: Oh, Aunt Petronella, you should not tease us so. 14

15 Lady Emma: Ladies of your rank should not be interested in knights. Why Princess Eleanor and Princess Margaret you are soon to be Queens, you should not concern yourselves with lowly knights. What would will people think? Princess Alys you are betrothed to Prince Richard he is far more handsome than any knight. Princess Eleanor: Lady Emma is right, it is not proper to worry ourselves with knights. People may get the wrong idea and I do not think we need to give papa or mama anything else to be upset about. Narrator: Unfortunately, the four knights were certainly not seeking romance, but were hoping to impress their king with a misguided act.that night they left Normandy for Canterbury to rid their sovereign of that meddlesome priest. When they arrived at Canterbury they confronted the Arch-Bishop and told him he was to go with them to Winchester to answer for his crimes against the crown. When Becket refused to go with them they left the cathedral to get their weapons which they had left outside. Act 3, Scene 3: -Canterbury Cathedral Becket: (kneeling in prayer) Father, I know they will return soon and my time is near. Father give me strength to face the end. (the knights return and pull swords from their cloaks and begin to strike Becket) Becket: I am ready to die, but God's curse on you if you harm my people. (the knight stepped toward him) For the name of Jesus and the protection of the Church, I am ready to embrace death. (one knight stabs him and he falls to the ground dead, the knights leave) Narrator: Within three years of his death the Catholic Church canonized him as a martyr. The Catholic Church says this of the Archbishop of Canterbury: Though far from a faultless character, Thomas Becket, when his time of testing came, had the courage to lay down his life to defend the ancient rights of the Church against an aggressive state. The discovery of his hairshirt and other evidences of austerity, and the many miracles which were reported at his tomb, increased the veneration in which he was held. While King Henry did not order the murder of Thomas Becket he was held responsible by the church, by his people and by his own guilt. Becket s murder signaled an enormous turning point in Henry s personal and political life. He never really recovered from the death of his friend it haunted him personally and politically to his own death years later. 15

16 There are many lessons we can learn from the life of Thomas Becket. Perhaps one of the most important is discussed in a blog written by Benedictine nuns from Holy Trinity Monastery, Howton Grove Priory, U.K. Most of us who claim to be Christians subscribe to the both and school of Christian philosophy. We want to be good and virtuous, but we d also like all the other gifts, if possible health, wealth, family, friends, etc. Above all, we treasure those we love and find a thousand different justifications for clinging to them. But what if a friendship, for example, no longer gives life but proves a hindrance to our fidelity to Christ? What if we find ourselves in the position of Thomas vs. Henry?. It isn t fashionable to say so, but sometimes the good is the enemy of the best. If we are required to perform certain duties in the Church (or anywhere else for that matter), we can be sure that we shall be asked to give up some of what is good as well as all that is bad. Thomas renounced his friendship with Henry, not gladly but because he believed he must. That was part of his martyrdom. Something very similar may be asked of us. ( Thomas Becket gave up his friendship with Henry so he could serve God. Are we willing to give up our earthly pleasures if they interfere with our ability to serve God s Kingdom? Colossians 3:1-2 says: Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. 16