If Tuesday was the battle of the Killer C’s (Cranmer vs. Columba), today is the battle of the Killer B’s (Brigid vs. Bonhoeffer). The victorious “B” wins a date with Jerome in the next round. But that’s getting ahead of ourselves — it’s time to focus on cheap grace and a lake of beer (somebody please write a limerick!).
Yesterday Evelyn Underhill won in a romp over Monnica 71% to 29% setting up an intriguing match-up against Mary Magdalene in the Elate Eight. Be sure to check the updated bracket to see the upcoming “Madness.”
Yes, even the 20th-century martyr Dietrich Bonhoeffer (1906-1945) had a few quirks: He decided to become a theologian as a boy; during his post-doctoral year in New York, he disliked the fact that American students always kept their doors open (i.e., no privacy); he failed his driver’s license test more than once; and his enthusiasm for bullfighting both amused and confused his students.
Quote from a 1939 letter to Reinhold Niebuhr:
“I must live through this difficult period in our national history with the people of Germany. I will have no right to participate in the reconstruction of Christian life in Germany after the war if I do not share the trials of this time with my people.”
Quote from Life Together:
“It is not simply to be taken for granted that the Christian has the privilege of living among other Christians. Jesus Christ lived in the midst of his enemies. At the end all his disciples deserted him. On the Cross he was utterly alone, surrounded by evildoers and mockers. For this cause he had come, to bring peace to the enemies of God. So the Christian, too, belongs not in the seclusion of a cloistered life but in the thick of foes. There is his commission, his work.”
Quote from The Cost of Discipleship:
“When he was challenged by Jesus to accept a life of voluntary poverty, the rich young man knew he was faced with the simple alternative of obedience or disobedience. When Levi was called from the receipt of custom or Peter from his nets, there was no doubt that Jesus meant business. Both of them were to leave everything and follow. Again, when Peter was called to walk on the rolling sea, he had to get up and risk his life. Only one thing was required in each case — to rely on Christ’s word, and cling to it as offering greater security than all the securities in the world. The forces which tried to interpose themselves between the word of Jesus and the response of obedience were as formidable then as they are to-day. Reason and conscience, responsibility and piety all stood in the way, and even the law and ‘scriptural authority’ itself were obstacles which pretended to defend them from going to the extremes of antinomianism and ‘enthusiasms.’ But the call of Jesus made short work of all these barriers . . .”
In her lifetime, Brigid, as abbess of the double monastery at Kildare, wielded as much power as any bishop in Ireland. With this in mind, it is interesting to note that the best stories about her come from the domestic side of life and for her concern for the poor. It is said that she could coax cows to give their milk and that she seemed to have an inexhaustible supply of butter for whomever needed it.
Some stories, owing no doubt to the Celtic tradition’s mysterious pliability with the space-time continuum, send Brigid back to be Mary’s midwife and Christ’s wet-nurse. Others have her cleansing lepers and taming wolves. One tells of her coaxing speech from a pair of mute sisters by pouring a mixture of water and her own blood on their necks.
The 8th century Book of Armagh calls Brigid one of “the columns of the Irish” and says, “between St. Patrick and St. Brigid…there was so great a friendship of charity that they had but one heart and one mind. Through him and through her Christ performed many miracles.”
The seventh century Bishop Ultán of Ard Breccáin wrote this hymn in praise of Brigid: “In our island of Hibernia Christ was made known to man by the very great miracles which he performed through the happy virgin of celestial life, famous for her merits through the whole world.”
Finally, and more personally, St. Brigid’s legacy was present at every meal taken at the table in my own family’s household. In a frame on the wall of our dining room hung the table grace attributed to St. Brigid. The grace sums up Brigid’s life as one of deep longing for all to feed on the riches of Christ’s grace, the bread come down from heaven (perhaps with a little butter on it).
I should like a great lake of finest ale
For the King of kings.
I should like a table of the choicest food
For the family of heaven.
Let the ale be made of the fruits of faith,
And the food be forgiving love.
I should welcome the poor to my feast,
For they are God’s children.
I should welcome the sick to my feast,
For they are God’s joy.
Let the poor sit with Jesus at the highest place,
And the sick dance with the angels.
God bless the poor,
God bless the sick,
And bless our human race.
God bless our food,
God bless our drink,
All homes, O God, embrace.
Vote!
Brigid of Kildare vs. Dietrich Bonhoeffer
- Dietrich Bonhoeffer (54%, 946 Votes)
- Brigid of Kildare (46%, 810 Votes)
Total Voters: 1,754
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“to rely on Christ’s word”: Bonhoeffer. I’ve no choice.
For the first time I’m so torn I’ll have to wait a few hours to vote. Both, please!
the sacred fire of hospitality: Brigid. I’ve no choice.
Brigid is the saint I’ve embraced as an adult–a strong woman who also cared for the everyday needs of those around her. But Bonhoeffer… a radical disciple, articulate theologian, and martyr in our own time. There’s no contest, but I wish I could vote for both!
Okay, so I’m a little bitter at Cranmoor’s win over Columba. But let me say here, as we consider the words of, admittedly, a 20 century martyr and a fifth century Celtic saint that the zeal and fierce faith of the early Celtic Christians is too easily sentimentalized and diluted. Read Brigid’s prayer — twice! Consider the intertwining of all aspects of life with the gospel. Consider the commitment to the poor and all of humanity. Consider the desire in the first verse to make an offering of the “fruits of faith” and “forgiving love” to Christ and all the “family of heaven.” Consider its simplicity and beauty. This prayer will find its way to my table, and Brigid gets my vote today.
Oops! Cranmer, not Cranmoor. Need an editor on early posts…..
Ahh, Susan….this Susan agrees with your post and just must Make her prayer a part of
My daily meals. Tis more eloquent than the one I grew up with: ” God first, Others second, I’m third.”
Both deserve the Golden Halo that I’m sure God has given them. But for our GOLDEN HALO (choirs sings a pleasing and impressive chord) I selected Brigid. She embodies my motto, “Hospitality First.”
Dietrich holds the door for the radiant Brigid.
I would definitely vote for Brigid, for she is wonderful…but the thought of Bonhoeffer being jailed and then shot for coming back to Germany when he could have stayed in the US during WWII puts him over the top for me. Plus he’s a little cranky. I like that.
I went with Bonhoeffer too, for the same reasons. The picture of Brigid is so lovely, though–I was tempted! As these brackets narrow down, it gets harder to choose one saint over another. I just have to remember my daughter’s words, “mom, you’re taking this WAY too seriously!”
No contest!
I know the Irish abbess with all her legends and lorw will undoubtedly win out…sadly…sentiment seems to reign here. But Bonhoffer?! An amazing man…taken too early from our modern day. I have to vote conscience over sentiment.
Time to go listen to Samuel Barber’s Hermit Songs (“The Heavenly Banquet”) and vote for Brigid! “I would like a great lake of beer for the King of Kings. I would like to be watching Heaven’s family Drinking it through all eternity.”
On this bracket, I substituted Rose of Lima for Bridget, so I vote for Rose of Lima on this one. (Snark!!!!!)
I do love Bonhoeffer. He inspired me and infuriated me when I first discovered him as an undergraduate. But against Brigid? No contest. How can he compare to a woman who was bishop (according to some versions) and is patron of students, dairy products, hospitality, and beer?
“…But the call of Jesus made short work of all these barriers . . .’ ” In Bonhoeffer’s case, the barrier was Hitler. He gets my vote.
“Judging others makes us blind, whereas love is illuminating. By judging others we blind ourselves to our own evil and to the grace which others are just as entitled to as we are.” -Bonhoeffer hated injustice and loved God, peace, and his fellow man. Amazing fellow, whose outspoken Christian voice against Nazism was one of the few to be heard in Germany.
Elisabeth,
From a fellow Eli(z)abeth – thank you for that quote! I just posted it on my Facebook wall to share with others 🙂
Tough call, perhaps the toughest yet. Yet dispite my predeliction for all things Celtic, I’m going to have to give it to Dietrich. It is, perhaps, a saving grace that Brigid spoke of a lake of beer and Dietrich comes from a land where they make really good beer. Gender issues aside, one cannot ignore both the contributions and sacrifices made by Dietrich and we know they are fact, not, perhaps, fiction. Dietrtich uber alles!
I’m so glad Adam T. included Brigid’s prayer. What a stunning inclusion of all aspects of our lives, including the joys of the table, and Christ’s mercy, wrapped up in a vision of the kinship of all people with God. Well. Brigid for me. What a beauty!
Undercroft York Minster
an encounter with Brigid
Blessing through all time
I think Brigid would vote for Bonhoeffer.
Since Brigid would vote for Bonhoeffer, I’ll vote for Brigid. I agree with others. Tough, tough choice.
I don’t think she’d be too happy about his bull fighting interests . . .
And vice versa!
The SEC asked for a limerick.
I thought, “To write one would be quick.”
“Cheap grace,” “Lake of beer?”
‘Tis too tough, I fear,
Too bad we can’t vote a split tick(et).
OK, it’s ALMOST a limerick; and, it’s the best I could do in a hurry! But, seriously, thanks, SEC, for a wonderfully educational AND fun Lenten discipline. That said, the facts and legends about Brigid are interesting and inspirational, but my vote goes to the guy who faced down Hitler. It’s a terrible loss that his number came up when it did instead of a couple of weeks later.
One of the most difficult choices thus far. Bonhoeffer.
In her mind, a great lake of ale,
A resource never to fail,
A drink for the Three
With some left for thee,
A wondrous, heavenly grail.
Blessed be — go Brigid!
Thank you, Sister Mary Winifred! I’d quaff one with thee!
great limerick and ditto on the vote
AAAAGGGGHGHHHHHH!!!!
One of my great-aunts worked in the reconstruction of Germany with people who’d been in the resistance to Nazis (yes, there really were some). Many of them spoke of how inspiring Bonhoeffer had been for them; not in big, grandiose ways but just to keep them plugging along and not completely despairing. But Brigid is my woman, for all the reasons people have already cited.
How to choose?!?!
Bonhoeffer get my vote today. He has been a help in my seeing Christ in the world today. He and his words help today’s people face their problems and help
us to find our way to Christ and God’s new life.
Bonhoeffer–how wonderful that God gives us such people for our times–another in a line of saints down thru the centuries–a steady march
“Our church has been fighting during these years only for its self-preservation, as if that were an end in itself. It has become incapable of bringing the word of reconciliation and redemption to humankind and to the world. So the words we used before must lose their power, be silenced, and we can be Christians today in only two ways, through prayer and through doing justice among human beings.”
“Thoughts on the Day of Baptism of Dietrich Wilhelm Rüdiger Bethge”, May 1944
I am struck, Mr. Lewis-Anthony, how these words still ring true, decades later! Do we, as a church, merely survive, or do we live into our mission?
Yes, I’m glad I voted for Dear Dietrich.
Brilliant. Thanks for posting this.
I have been a Bonhoeffer fan since I took Christian Ethics in college. This was still a tough choice. What tipped me over was reading the Brigid might not actually have been a person or was a composite of multiple people. It another example of the allure of “legend” vs. a fairly factual role model. I’m looking forward to listening to listening to My Life with the Saints as I drive from Indiana to Pa.
This has to be the toughest choice to date! How glad I am we have ALL these saints to lead us on our journey.
Hoping whoever wins this creams Jerome in the next round. I can’t get over the part where Bonhoeffer participated in a plot to assassinate Hitler. It just doesn’t seem Christ-like to me.
The Brigid stories are wonderful and I’m as much as fan of dairy as the next person … ok, that’s a bit snarky. I do admire the example of her generous hospitality and wise administrative abilities.
Brigid shared her milk, beer, and considerable gifts with her fellow humans for the sake of Christ. Bonhoeffer risked — and lost — his life following Jesus into the most dangerous and dire circumstances. For reminding the rest of us of the true Cost of Discipleship – Bonhoeffer.
Brigid it is. The most worthy Bonhoeffer is ahead as I cast my vote, but I’m hoping for a nail-biter between Brigid and Mary Magdalene for the Golden Halo. Vain hope? We shall see….
And thanks, Adam, for that wonderful prayer–it will find its way to my table, too. Nobody but the Celts can write a prayer that so entwines the world, seen and unseen, into such a beautiful knot!
Dang! This is the toughest match-up for the season, I do believe. I bet one way and voted the other!
For those wanting a Scottish / Norse link to make voting for Bonhoeffer easier, (and two saints for the price of one), George Mackay Brown’s book Magnus links the twelfth-century story of Earl Magnus of Orkney’s brutal murder at the hands of his cousin Hakon Paulson, to that of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, murdered by the Nazis during World War II. The Cathedral in Kirkwall, Orkney is named for St Magnus and was founded in 1137. Magnus is beautifully written and well worth reading.
I complained about too many Celts earlier….but now I’m worried about a 20th Century bias! Oh well, going with Bonhoeffer anyway – those quotes are worth many lakes of ale.
Two days in a row where both candidates are entirely worthy. Almost tempts me to vote twice – once for each! Brigid’s prayer is wonderful and I echo many others who will adopt it into the table rotation!
Dietrich Bonhoeffer, The Cost of Discipleship:
“Cheap grace is the preaching of forgiveness without requiring repentance, baptism without church discipline, Communion without confession, absolution without personal confession. Cheap grace is grace without discipleship, grace without the cross, grace without Jesus Christ, living and incarnate.
“Costly grace is the treasure hidden in the field; for the sake of it a man will go and sell all that he has. It is the pearl of great price to buy which the merchant will sell all his goods. It is the kingly rule of Christ, for whose sake a man will pluck out the eye which causes him to stumble; it is the call of Jesus Christ at which the disciple leaves his nets and follows him.
“Costly grace is the gospel which must be sought again and again, the gift which must be asked for, the door at which a man must knock. “
I am so glad to be learning more about all these saints – through the bios and the comments. I think I am not as well read as I ought to be.
I have heard Bonhoeffer quoted in sermons for all of my adult life. Those sermons have fed me as surely as milk and butter and lakes of ale. So I will print out the prayer by Brigid. but I voted for Bonhoeffer. What a witness in a tough time!
All these saints inspire me.
What an inspiration both these saints are! I am drawn to Brigid and her ability to draw the pagans in by incorporating their spiritual signs into the beauty of Christian faith. Whether one person or many represented as one makes no difference to me. How many souls were enlightened and encouraged to follow Christ because of her or stories of her. Truly God’s love personified.
Bonhoeffer’s bravery and dedication to Christ and the people of Germany was true to the call, but I also struggle with his part in the plan to assassinate Hitler. I would definitely have hoped to have such courage in face of real evil in this world, but I must cast my vote for Brigid today.
This is a tough contest, but I voted for Bonhoeffer.
Brigid patron of dairy and beer. My goodness the entire state of Wisconsin s/b voting for Brigid. As a former CheeseHead my vote is for Brigid.
On to March Madness, does the Lent Madness selection today portend a victory for Wisconsin over Syracuse this evening? Go Badgers
Go Orange. Seriously. We have a player named Christmas. Also, a Joseph. And a Scoop, which I’m sure was a nickname for one of the fishermen disciples.
I dreamed of a great lake of ale –
It may have been India Pale.
May a beverage no fitter
Than these waters of bitter
Slake the thirst of the Saints who prevail!
You also have in favor that today is James De Koven’s day.
Those of you who know how I feel about basketball will understand when I say Today I’d rather be watching basketball!
I have loved Bonhoeffer and when I was young he taught me much. But as a woman I am very grateful for the surviving histories of women, be they fact or fanciful. Brigid warms my heart. And I would love to sit at her table and drink from that lake of ale with all the poor and broken-hearted who might join us…
A number of people have said that they voted for Dietrich Bonhoeffer because of his strong stand against Hitler and even his possible participation in plots to kill Hitler. Unfortunately you are voting for the wrong Bonhoeffer. Klaus Bonhoeffer, Dietrich’s brother, was the Bonhoeffer involved in the plot to assassinate Hitler. Klaus was joined to some degree by Dietrich’s brothers in law Rudiger Schleicher and Friedrich Perels. Like Dietrich all three of these men were arrested and executed by the Nazis.
Both brothers were involved; D. was already in prison at the time of the most nearly successful attempt, but was hanged as one of the plotters.
Ode to St. Brigid
The Bride of Kildare became Abbess,
Providing beer during Lent for the masses;
Also known as a scholar
Ever faithful to the Psalter,
She also gave voices to dumb lasses.
Dietrich was faithful to Jesus,
And found Adolph Hitler most grievous;
A fan of the bull fight
He plotted to incite
A movement of resistance most specious.
In the madness of Lent we must choose.
Will Brigid or Bonhoeffer lose?
The contest is fair.
You should vote for Kildare!
Of this we strongly approve.
– Peggy Varien and Bronwyn Skov
This one was really tough but for the reasons cited by Susan, I voted for Brigid. But that was a given, since my most common internet handle is Kildara, in her honor.
Here is a page called “Ethics and the Will of God: The Legacy of Dietrich Bonhoeffer” from the great radio show “Speaking of Faith” (now called “On Being”): http://being.publicradio.org/programs/bonhoeffer/ .
As usual, there’s the audio of the program, and stuff to read, too. (They do discuss the assassination plot, and as far as I can tell, they do discuss Dietrich’s role in it….)
As I must face my dog Dietrich tonight and explain my actions of today: Bonhoeffer it is!
…..it is only by living completely in this world that we learn to live in faith…..LIVE your faith – go DB!
Free heavenly beer for those who vote for Brigid. Seriously – here’s a prayer attributed to her..
I’d like to give a lake of beer to God.
I’d love the Heavenly
Host to be tippling there
For all eternity.
I’d love the men of Heaven to live with me,
To dance and sing.
If they wanted, I’d put at their disposal
Vats of suffering.
White cups of love I”d give them,
With a heart and a half;
Sweet pitchers of mercy I’d offer
To every man.
I’d make Heaven a cheerful spot,
Because the happy heart is true.
I’d make the men contented for their own sake
I’d like Jesus to love me too.
I’d like the people of heaven to gather
From all the parishes around,
I’d give a special welcome to the women,
The three Marys of great renown.
I’d sit with the men, the women of God
There by the lake of beer
We’d be drinking good health forever
And every drop would be a prayer.
Read more: http://www.beliefnet.com/Faiths/Christianity/2000/03/A-Lake-Of-Beer-For-God.aspx#ixzz1psmsdARS
Both B&B served Christ in their time. Bonhoffer needn’t have returned to Germany.
Jesus needn’t have returned to Jerusalem.
I’m voting for Bonhoffer. Did dear Brigida just cheer ?
I’m for Dietrich, too, definitely – but I do like that grace….
The discussion of the role of Dietrich Bonhoeffer in plots to kill Hitler often seem to overlook several important facts.
Dietrich Bonhoeffer was arrested by the Gestapo in May of 1943. The plot to kill Hitler at the Wolfs Lair took place in April, 1944. Dietrich Bonhoeffer was in prison for nearly a year before the attempt on Hitler’s life, essentially ruling him out of the plot.
Some writers erroneously assert that Dietrich Bonhoeffer was arrested for his role in the plot to kill Hitler. Bonhoeffer was in fact arrested for Public Corruption after the Gestapo found money missing from the Abwehr, an agency Bonhoeffer worked for. The Gestapo believed that Bonhoeffer pocketed the money but in fact the money was diverted in a plot by Admiral Kanaris to smuggle 14 German Jews into Switzerland using false diplomatic visas. Dietrich Bonhoeffer is believed to have been involved in this plot, serving as the courier who handled the money. Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s fate may well have been sealed when the Gestapo discovered Admiral Kanaris’ role in the plot to kill Hitler. When the Gestapo searched Kanaris’ papers they found the name Bonhoeffer. However since Klaus Bonhoeffer was known to be involved in the plot to kill Hitler the notation might have been a reference to him and not Dietrich. Hitler in a fit of rage ordered the executions of hundreds of people, most of whom were innocent.
There is a great deal of information in the files of the American Holocaust Museum. It can take time to wade through it but the material is thoroughly researched and documented.
Although Brigid got my vote today I do admire Dietrich Bonhoeffer for his steadfast courage and faith in God in one of the most difficult times in history.
Interesting. Thanks for the explanation, Jim….
Also, thanks.
It always interests me when documental history and what we thought happened are juxtaposed. Doesn’t mean I can get rid of what I thought, or was taught, happened; but it always makes me question my assumptions – a very good thing!
10:06 CDST
Learning about the Saints we so enjoy
of that we are certainly not coy.
And while Bonhoffer was a very nice guy,
We must never ever tell a lie –
Indeed, we voted for the girl not the boy!
Go Brigid!
Well done Hope and Skye – but I think Mom may have helped here!!
This is my first year of Lent Madness – Many, many thanks to the SEC … B-U-T…I think the choices are just going to get more and more difficult from now on!!!
What is with you people dissing the Patron Saint of Ale? Didja give it up for Lent? That’s Madness!
Bonhoeffer for sure.
Hello my fellow Celt!
Yes. my limerick is late because I thought Brigid had won but ole Dietrich pulled it out of the fire ! Such a toss-up has rarely been seen
Twixt A German martyr and an Irish brewski queen
Oh ! The battle of the “B’s”
Has driven me to my knees
Such a toss-up has rarely been seen !
Well, I’m being told it’s time to leave for dinner, so I’m going to vote before I forget! I have loved the beautiful, sometimes fanciful stories of the lives of the saints my whole life. I am entranced by Brigid’s story, her example, and especially her prayer. But I am incredibly inspired by the documented acts and writings of a saint of our own times. I will not aspire to reach the heights that Bonhoeffer reached, but I will aspire to follow in his footsteps. So, I’m voting for him tonight.
A celibate abbess called Bride?
With Christ was the nuptial knot tied;
So deep was her love,
That with wings like a dove,
She fled to her spouse when she died.
Bonhoeffer inspires admiration for his willingness to struggle with conscience and not give in to evil, but Brigid has my heart for she inspires hope that the world can indeed change and one day we will all be invited to the table. For hope and for Darludagh, I vote for Brigid.