The one who hates still lives in darkness, no matter how much they claim to love the light

By Father Perry D. Leiker, pastor

A reflection on the daily readings, for the Fifth Day in the Octave of Christmas, by Father Perry.

+ Probably all have already noted that in addition to being Thursday in the Octave of Christmas (primary liturgical significance), it is also optional to celebrate the Memorial of St. Thomas Becket, bishop and martyr.

What makes it optional is that the liturgical guidance says it is not required to celebrate it, only recommended.

In other words, you may celebrate it if you wish.

This writer chooses the opening prayer for St. Thomas, but not the readings, as the readings for the season of Christmas, in the opinion of many, should and do take precedence.

But, Thomas was a principled and impressive saint and martyr.

In the play titled “Murder in the Cathedral” by Irish playwright T. S. Eliot, a most profoundly beautiful and impressive poetic form using iambic pentameter, deals with the planned and executed murder/execution of Thomas Becket — and yes, in the cathedral.

Here is what occurs.

Thomas is the archbishop of Canterbury and previously a super-friend of the king.

The king and the former archbishop, Theobald of Bec, had a lot of bad water between them.

When King Stephen died and Henry became Henry II, Thomas became archbishop of Canterbury and eventually had a super-falling out with the king.

He goes into exile for six years before returning to what would become his assassination.

In the play, he comes to terms with this reality.

How can he legitimately be archbishop of Canterbury while living outside the country in self-exile merely to protect his life?

So he decides to return.

But the incredibly thoughtful and artistic rendering of how he made the decision to return is poetic genius.

+ In the play, temptors (the devil?) come and persuade Thomas to return with the three biblically famous temptations of Christ: temporal pleasure, temporal power, and the glory of martyrdom — both experienced by Jesus and by Thomas.

But then a fourth tempter adds: “Thomas you must go back to England and you most certainly will be martyred. But think, Thomas, long after people have forgotten the name of the king who had you killed, people will still be visiting the grave and praying to you as a great saint and martyr of the church.”

To which, Thomas nakedly honest and spiritually alert responds: “The last temptation is the greatest treason; to do the right thing for the wrong reason.”

Now, most interestingly, this reflection on the optional Memorial of St. Thomas Becket aligns beautifully with the word today.

John, in his first letter, speaks powerfully about living in darkness and allowing the light to penetrate and transform that darkness.

The one who hates still lives in darkness, no matter how much they claim to love the light.

They are liars!

Hmmm! King Henry — light or darkness?

And does not Thomas end up living and dying in that light?

Not unlike the prophecy to Mary that a sword would pierce her heart, the glory of the light that Jesus would bring would involve the cross, and that pain and ultimate total emptying of self out of love.

+ Sifting through the stuff of which our decisions in life are made, the point well taken instructs: It is not enough, not sufficient, simply to make correct decisions. The reason for making those decisions is equally important. We must have the right reasons, or our reasons might betray our souls.”

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Father Perry D. Leiker is the 13th pastor of St. Bernard Catholic Church. Reach him at (323) 255-6142. Email Father Perry at pleiker@stbernard-church.com. Follow Father Perry on Twitter: @MrDeano76.