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Views from the Choir Loft

This World Does Not Always Reward Virtue

Jeff Ostrowski · June 1, 2020

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!

Opinions by blog authors do not necessarily represent the views of Corpus Christi Watershed.

Filed Under: Articles Last Updated: June 1, 2020

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About Jeff Ostrowski

Jeff Ostrowski holds his B.M. in Music Theory from the University of Kansas (2004). He resides with his wife and children in Los Angeles.—(Read full biography).

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Corpus Christi Watershed

Quick Thoughts

    [Quiz] • “Do You Know Your Hymns?”
    In case you missed it, many readers have enjoyed taking this little Quiz On Hymns. In the context of that article, I included a sensational quote about the Holy Mass by Monsignor Ronald Knox. Moreover, I talk about how Abraham Lincoln's mother died, as well as a fabulous Eucharistic hymn by the Archbishop of Canterbury.
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    William Byrd • Simple “Agnus Dei” Canon
    Time flies! Back in July, I posted a PDF setting of a perfect canon by William Byrd (d. 1623) arranged as an AGNUS DEI for three voices. Last Sunday, we sang that arrangement with our volunteer choir. To hear a ‘live’ recording of it, click here (Mp3). In my humble opinion, this would be a perfect piece for a choir just beginning to experiment with polyphony.
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    “Glory To God” • (For Choir + Congregation)
    I wish to thank everyone for the nice comments I received vis-à-vis my Glory To God setting for Choir & Congregation. A gentleman with a musical doctorate from Indiana University wrote: “Love this setting so much. And I will pray, as you asked, for your return to composition more fully. You are very very good.” A female choir director wrote: “I love your harmonizations, your musicality, and the wonderful interplay you have with dissonance and consonance in your music. So fun to listen to, and great for intellect, heart, and soul!” A young woman from California wrote: “Thank you for releasing your new Glory To God in honor of Saint Noel Chabanel. I'm enjoying reading through the various parts and listening to your recordings.”
    —Jeff Ostrowski

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“Catholics in America have been the heirs of a sentimental and subjective hymn tradition that, for some reason or other, has taken a deep and fast hold on the fancy of the average person.”

— Fr. Francis Brunner (1953)

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