How strange life is: Twenty-three years ago today, my father reported to federal prison for a 10-year sentence after being unjustly convicted of crimes he didn’t commit. What a dreadful day that was. And 850 years ago today, St. Thomas Becket was unjustly and brutally martyred—at the hands of my father’s 23rd great grandfather (among others)!

This recent revelation has given me pause. Not only do I have great saints and great sinners in my family tree, I know that I have the capacity for both in my own soul.

It also reminds me that what man intends for evil, God can work for the good. What a profound mystery and great consolation this is: Through the cross to life!

With all humility, may we each continue to “work out our salvation with fear and trembling,” (St. Paul) treating all with the same mercy and kindness with which we hope to be treated by God upon our death.

My father was ultimately exonerated and now enjoys, I hope and pray, the glory of Heaven with St. Thomas Becket. May all the saints—our big brothers and sisters in the Faith—pray for us until we join their company!

(For my dad’s story in brief: https://youtu.be/j5Nkztwl-fM)