In one of the greatest compliments I have ever received, a group of fellow students dubbed me a "man for all seasons" during my Junior year of college. It was a culmination of several things that they had seen me do and they were impressed enough to give me that title, which they stubbornly used the rest of the year. They were very complimentary. I don't think I deserved the title and I'm more certain now than ever that I don't deserve to be compared with a man such as Thomas More.
A few months ago, I re-read Utopia and watched the movie again. Once again, I was in awe of this man who, under threat of imprisonment and death, refused to compromise his integrity. The film is filled with some fantastic dialogue that brings out his wit and wisdom. I wish I could be as wise as they depicted him to be. He eventually died as a martyr for what he believed. The film shows some of his human frailty, but also his sincerity and integrity. I know the film isn't perfectly accurate historically, but from what I've learned of him, he was an incredible man.
After this second time of reading the book and watching the film, I described my experience and thoughts to a Catholic friend of mine. This is a man who has served to significantly increase my respect for the Catholic Church by the way he lives his life. He has nine children and told me that More is the Patron Saint of large families, so I guess he's pretty well acquainted with him. He told me that "Seasons" was a film that one particular Seminary required every graduating Priest to watch. I can see why. If you haven't seen it, check it out. It's deep and a bit somber, but has a few light-hearted moments. Not a film for those times when you're in a silly mood, but a powerful one.
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