Jan 4 Thomas Plumtree

Thom and Jack
Good morning, I love you



January 4
Thomas Plumtree d. 1570


Each of the English martyrs have the same story – martyred because they were Catholic in a persecutorial England. The sixteenth century England was not the best of times nor the best of places for Catholics. These martyrs do show us that they were faithful to God and Country, until country forced them to make a choice. Many went to the gallows professing their loyalty to the monarchy, their country, saddened that they were forced to choose. We are sometimes forced to choose between friends and faith. We are sometimes forced to choose between family and faith. School and faith. Job and faith. It’s not really a choice. It’s like being asked to choose between self and faith. They are integral and integrated: inseparable – you have the seal of the Holy Spirit on your heart through baptism and confirmation: inescapable. Let the cadence of the litany of English martyrs strengthen you in your faith.

Thomas Plumtree studied at Oxford. He was a dedicated Catholic, even as rector of Stubton. [We could digress into the politics of education in America. Not unlike sixteenth century England, where loyalty to the crown was expected of the leaders of education, our universities have evolved with leaders loyal to a ruling progressive political philosophy. It was then and it is today expected that our universities indoctrinate us. Beware the secular, anti-Catholic education being foisted on you. But, I digress.]

The Rising of the North against Queen Elizabeth (r.1558-1603) was an utter failure. One might say it was a good idea gone awry. But it wasn’t even a good idea. Thomas Plumbtree, a dedicated Catholic took part in the uprising. He was captured.

The crown offered Thomas Plumtree his freedom if he abjured his faith. You get that offer every day – from family, friends, colleagues, strangers. They offer you your freedom if you would just please not be Catholic or not be soooo Catholic. But our faith is our freedom. God gives us our freedom. To accept this deal is to lose freedom as well as falter in our faith. You are not free if your “freedom” is contingent upon anything, especially if it is made contingent on your faith, the essence of your being.

Thomas Plumbtree chose his faith, our God, his true freedom. Thomas Plumbtree was hanged in Durham Castle. [that should make it easier to remember him and his stand for freedom and faith. Durham…. ]

I Love you,
Dad
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