Daybreak

Fifth Day of Christmas Optional Memorial of St. Thomas Becket, 1118-1170; chancellor of England, then archbishop of Canterbury, thanks to his friend, King Henry II; Thomas warned Henry that he might not agree with his intrusions into Church affairs; Henry insisted upon usurping Church rights; Thomas fled to France for safety, for seven years; upon his return to England, he refused to remit the censures of bishops favored by the king; in a rage, Henry cried out, "Will no one rid me of this troublesome priest?"; four knights, taking this as his wish, slew Thomas in the Canterbury cathedral Office of Readings and Morning Prayer for 12/29/25 Gospel: Luke 2:22-35