HERE’S a wonderful movie about Saint Thomas More called “A Man For All Seasons.” Broadly speaking, the movie is historically accurate. Paul Scofield (d. 2008) does a phenomenal job as Sir Thomas More, who was a holy man with a great sense of humor. In 1529, More was elevated one of England’s highest posts: Lord Chancellor. Eventually, he became a martyr because he would not disobey God’s law. Early in the movie, you see a nobleman trying to influence a judgment from Sir Thomas:
Later on, you see that same nobleman dancing and having fun:
Saint Thomas More is now in quite a different position than earlier, when that nobleman had been trying to influence his judgment:
The nobleman—who has wealth, but has not been honest in his dealings—looks at Saint Thomas More, who is being dragged in chains for questioning:
That nobleman will never be truly happy, because true joy only comes from serving Jesus Christ. He’s very much like the man in the Gospel (Matthew 19:22) “who went away sad at heart, for he had great possessions.” Virtue, however, does not always bring “success” and “wealth” and “fame” in this world—that’s called the Prosperity Gospel, and it’s a heresy. Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen said one reason Our Lord doesn’t always reward those who follow Him with wealth and success is because then people might follow Jesus for the wrong reasons.
Saint Thomas More, pray for us!
