(Optional) Memorial of Saint John Fisher, Bishop and Saint Thomas More, Martyrs
(II Kings 17:5-8.13-15a.18; Matthew 7:1-5)
Today’s first reading demonstrates the viewpoint of the
Deuteronomic author (or authors). This
writer composed or at least edited the Book of Deuteronomy and several other
Old Testament works including the two Books of Kings. Deuteronomic theology sounds to many rather
karma-like. It teaches that if you do
good, you will be rewarded and if you do bad, you are doomed.
In the first reading the tit-for-tat is straight
forward. The Samarians (that is the
inhabitants of the Northern Kingdom (also called Israel and Ephraim) repeatedly
violated Israel’s law. They paid for
their transgressions with deportation from their land. Today’s gospel is more conventional, at least
for Christians. Jesus tells his disciples not to judge, by which he means not
to condemn others quickly. If they do,
he warns, God’s judgment of them in eternity will be swift and severe.
We see the two martyrs in this conventional light. Both were beheaded for testifying to the
supreme authority of the pope in the Church.
They are remembered after almost 500 years among England’s most renowned
saints. Thomas More has been lionized by
the play and movie A Man for All Seasons. John Fisher is recognized as a brilliant
bishop whose theology influenced the Council of Trent. More importantly, they have been rewarded
with seats in the Kingdom of heaven.
