Tyranny has existed since the fall of Adam and Eve. In the beginning, evil also co-existed with humanity. Satan’s world is cloaked in lies – a guise to entrap humanity. The freedom Adam and Eve experienced under God’s hands, was lost (until the ransom was paid by Jesus) by the choices they made. Their freedom ended rapidly when the seduction of evil lured them away from God.
Throughout human history – whether it’s religious or secular, tyranny is a grasp of absolute power and control over the masses. This has been repeated over time throughout the history of mankind. The other – or the disenfranchised – has in the past been depicted as a slaves, workers, the poor, or the trash of society. This group has always been characterized in the negative as uncouth, uneducated, culturally and religiously inward, fringe, and sometimes unruly by those in the position of power. That is Satan’s narrative.
History has shown over and over again examples of our human quest for freedom. Often history is repeated. They reflect the bad choices made in the name of freedom. They fall into the evil one’s entrapment and find themselves in servitude to power. Most people are happy to follow the norm, happy to go along with the status quo. We only have to look at the Old Testament.
God’s truth is unchanging – we see this replayed throughout the Old Testament with Adam and Eve, Noah, the Israelites in Egypt, their 40 years in the wilderness, the Kingdom of Judea under Saul, King David, and it’s eventual demise after King Salomon, and through out the New Testament. It has aways been about our broken humanity and our selfish needs that takes precedence. We easily settle into a lackadaisical life style putting the things in our micro environment first – the needs of our world last. It has been played out over and over again throughout our human history.
In the mist of this, tyranny has slowly steered it’s ugly head. Perhaps the life of St. Thomas More and St.John Fisher can give us a glimpse into tyranny. Oh how we have forgotten!
Litany of St. Thomas More
Pope John Paul II said,
“There are many reasons for proclaiming Thomas More Patron of statesmen and people in public life. Among these is the need felt by the world of politics and public administration for credible role models able to indicate the path of truth at a time in history when difficult challenges and crucial responsibilities are increasing. Today in fact strongly innovative economic forces are reshaping social structures; on the other hand, scientific achievements in the area of biotechnology underline the need to defend human life at all its different stages, while the promises of a new society — successfully presented to a bewildered public opinion — urgently demand clear political decisions in favor of the family, young people, the elderly and the marginalized. In this context, it is helpful to turn to the example of St. Thomas More, who distinguished himself by his constant fidelity to legitimate authority and institutions precisely in his intention to serve not power, but the supreme ideal of justice. His life teaches us that government is above all an exercise of virtue.”
V. Lord, have mercy
R. Lord have mercy
V. Christ, have mercy
R. Christ have mercy
V. Lord, have mercy
R. Lord have mercy
V. Christ hear us
R. Christ, graciously hear us
V. St. Thomas More, Saint and Martyr, R. Pray for us (Repeat after each invocation)
St. Thomas More, Patron of Statesmen, Politicians and Lawyers
St. Thomas More, Patron of Justices, Judges and Magistrates
St. Thomas More, Model of Integrity and Virtue in Public and Private Life
St. Thomas More, Servant of the Word of God and the Body and Blood of Christ
St. Thomas More, Model of Holiness in the Sacrament of Marriage
St. Thomas More, Teacher of his Children in the Catholic Faith
St. Thomas More, Defender of the Weak and the Poor
St. Thomas More, Promoter of Human Life and Dignity
V. Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world
R. Spare us O Lord
V. Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world
R. Graciously hear us O Lord
V. Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world
R. Have mercy on us
Let us pray:
O Glorious St. Thomas More, Patron of Statesmen, Politicians, Judges and Lawyers, your life of
prayer and penance and your zeal for justice, integrity and firm principle in public and family life led you to the path of martyrdom and sainthood. Intercede for our Statesmen, Politicians, Judges and Lawyers, that they may be courageous and effective in their defense and promotion of the sanctity of human life – the foundation of all other human rights.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
AMEN
Further reading:
In the mist of all this chaos – my faith and trust in God’s Divine Will remains steadfast. Yes, it is challenging – I will falter. I have the self knowledge that I can only succeed with the prayful help of the Holy Spirit, all the saints and angels, and our Holy Mother Mary and St. Joseph.
May all our intentions and petitions rise up to Heaven.
May God Bless each of us with a renew zeal in our faith 💖
Be Inspired! 