"For the Church, we live; for the Church, we die; and to save the Church, we sacrifice our lives."
This quote by Thomas Becket emphasizes his unwavering dedication and devotion to the Church. He is saying that he lives for and dies for the Church, indicating a deep commitment and allegiance. Moreover, he suggests he would even give up his life if necessary, showcasing extraordinary sacrifice and selflessness in service of the Church. It highlights Becket's profound belief in the importance and sanctity of the Church, demonstrating a powerful example of religious devotion.
"I would rather be judged worthy of martyrdom in the sight of God than unworthy in the sight of the world."
This quote by Thomas Becket suggests that he prioritizes divine approval over earthly judgment or recognition. He expresses a willingness to endure martyrdom, a self-sacrificing death for one's beliefs, if it meant demonstrating his worthiness in the eyes of God. Despite any potential reproach from the world, he values upholding his faith and principles above all else.
"Better willingly to endure all hardships than, having the power to do so, to refuse to bear them for love of our Lord Jesus Christ."
This quote emphasizes unwavering devotion to Jesus Christ, even in the face of adversity or hardship. It suggests that one should willingly choose to suffer rather than shirk from it, if that suffering is motivated by love for Jesus Christ. The message encourages faithfulness and perseverance, implying that a strong Christian must be prepared to endure difficulties, but should do so wholeheartedly, not out of compulsion, but out of love and dedication to their faith.
"I would rather excusably lose my head than unjustifiably save it."
This quote suggests that Thomas Becket values personal integrity and justice over physical survival, even to the point of death. He is willing to face martyrdom rather than compromise his principles or commit acts he considers unjust. In other words, he chooses honor, truth, and moral rectitude above self-preservation.
"In a few days, I hope to join the number of the glorious martyrs; may God give me strength to endure the trial which is at hand."
This quote by Thomas Becket expresses his acceptance and determination in the face of impending adversity or danger. He anticipates that he will die as a martyr, a person who suffers death for the cause they believe in, and he seeks divine strength to endure this trial. The statement reveals his devotion, courage, and faith during challenging times.
To Him I look as my judge, to Him as the avenger of my wrongs, firm in my own good conscience and secure in the sincerity of my devotion, rooted in faith and confident that those who in the love of justice suffer injury can never be confounded, nor those who break the horns of the persecutors of the Church be deprived of their everlasting reward.
- Thomas Becket
Could I anticipate the enmity of those for whom I encountered such opposition? If they had been willing, I should have gained the victory. But the head faints when it is abandoned by the other members. If they had been wise they would have seen that in attacking me they were attacking their own privileges and serving princes to their own servitude.
- Thomas Becket
My beloved brethren, why do you not rise together with me against the malignants? Why do you not stand up with me to oppose those who work iniquity? Do you not know how that God will scatter the bones of those who strive to oppress Him? They shall be confounded, because the Lord hath despised them.
- Thomas Becket
Thou knowest how long and loyally I served the king in his worldly affairs. For that cause, it pleased him to promote me to the office which now I hold. When I consented, it was for the sake of the king alone. When I was elected, I was formally acquitted of my responsibilities for all that I had done as a chancellor.
- Thomas Becket
The Church of Christ is constituted in two orders, the clergy and the people, the one having the care of the Church that all may be ruled for the salvation of souls; the other contains kings, princes, and nobles who have to carry on secular government that all things may lead to the peace and unity of the Church.
- Thomas Becket
Between the uprightness of my conscience and the hardness of my lot, I know not how either to show respect to my feelings or to the times. The bitterness of my mind urges me at all hazards to speak what I think, whereas the necessity of the times prompts me, however unbecomingly, to keep silence. Good God! Which way shall I turn myself?
- Thomas Becket
With shame be it spoken: by her fall, the Church's liberties have been sacrificed for the sake of temporal advantages. The road to her ruin lay through the sinuous paths of riches: she has been prostituted in the streets to princes; she has conceived iniquity and will bring forth oppression to the undeserving.
- Thomas Becket
Do you not know that the largest trees, which have required years to grow, are cut down in one hour? It is foolish to look for their fruits and yet to be unprepared for their fall. Let it be your consolation, then, that God's enemies, however honorable and exalted they may have been, shall nevertheless fade away like the smoke.
- Thomas Becket
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