In the last battle of a full week, John Wesley takes on Edith Cavell. Will the Methodists among us rally the troops for the de facto founder of their denomination? Or will the compelling story of an English martyr carry the day?
In Thursday’s action, upstart Maria Skobtsova soundly defeated Thomas à Kempis 74% to 26% to advance to the Saintly Sixteen where she’ll face Quiteria. Thursday was also a big day for Lent Madness fans in Hannibal, Missouri, as an article titled Churchgoers Participate in Lent Madness Activity made the front page of the local paper, the Herald-Whig. Kudos to all the Lent Madness fans at Trinity Episcopal Church in Hannibal!
As we prepare to take a deep weekend breath, please do try to survive without voting on Saturday and Sunday. Symptoms of Lent Madness Withdrawal (LMW) are real and we encourage you to reach out to Lent Madness-playing friends and family to see you through this two-day wilderness. LMW support groups are forming in church basements everywhere. And fear not! We’ll return bright and early Monday morning as Esther takes on Lazarus. Now go read and vote!
John Wesley
The impact on the religious landscape made by John Wesley is undeniable and far-reaching. John was an Anglican priest and theologian and the founder of the Methodist movement.
Born in 1703 in England, John was the son of a clergyman and the youngest of fifteen children, including his brother Charles, a well-known hymn writer and Anglican priest. At five years old, John survived near-death in a rectory fire—he was saved thanks to parishioners who formed a human ladder to rescue him. This event marked him for life.
He was highly educated and a graduate of Christ College, Oxford. At school, he prayed and studied scripture with his brother, Charles; their friend, George Whitefield, also a priest; and others in a group deemed “Methodists” because of their method of spiritual disciplines.
Ordained in 1728, he and Charles were sent in 1735 to Savannah, in what was then the British colony of Georgia. John did not fare well—there were personal issues and ineffective ministry. After two years, he returned to England in defeat. While onboard, through stormy waters, he befriended Moravians and took to their ways, which he found calming and Spirit-filled. John underwent a religious experience in 1738, in which he said his “heart strangely warmed.” He believed that God charged him with initiating a revival in the church. He parted ways with the Moravians and embarked on his own ministry. Along with Charles and George, John traveled the country, forming Christian groups and worshiping communities. The Methodist movement flourished.
He became a prolific preacher and writer, delivering an estimated 40,000 sermons in his life. John wrote or edited more than 400 publications on issues such as theology, music, prison reform, marriage, medicine, slavery, and politics. Some of his more famous works include Forty-Four Sermons, Notes on the New Testament, Thoughts Upon Slavery, and Collection of Psalms and Hymns, the first Anglican hymnal published in America.
Wesley died on March 2, 1791, at the age of eighty-seven. In 2002, John Wesley ranked number 50 in the BBC’s poll of the 100 Greatest Britons.
Collect for John Wesley
I am no longer my own, but yours. Put me to what you will, rank me with whom you will; put me to doing, put me to suffering; let me be employed for you, or laid aside for you, exalted for you, or brought low for you; let me be full, let me be empty, let me have all things, let me have nothing: I freely and wholeheartedly yield all things to your pleasure and disposal. And now, glorious and blessed God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, you are mine and I am yours. So be it. And the covenant now made on earth, let it be ratified in heaven. Amen.
Edith Cavell
When Edith was a young girl in the late 1800s, she informed the bishop that her father’s church in Swardeston, near Norfolk, England, needed a room for the growing Sunday School. The bishop offered help—so long as Edith raised money as well. Edith and her sister began painting cards and raised some 300 pounds (about $30,000 in today’s funds), and she contacted the bishop. St. Mary’s, Swardeston, built the addition, and Sunday School classes thrived.
As an adult, Edith continued her life of service. Her early work as a governess in Belgium was interrupted when she returned home to Swardeston to nurse her father back to health. This experience led Edith to explore nursing, and she was eventually placed in charge of L’Ecole Belge d’Infirmieres Diplomees, a nursing school for women in Brussels.
World War I began, and Brussels was invaded. Edith was visiting family in England, but she immediately returned to Brussels. Realizing the danger for citizens and soldiers alike, Edith helped provide an underground escape route for those fleeing to the Netherlands. More than 200 soldiers escaped to safety. German military authorities discovered her acts. Edith confessed—which likely saved the lives of others who assisted her—and was sentenced to death.
As she awaited execution, the Germans allowed an Anglican priest to visit her. He recalls that in their final meeting, Edith received communion and prayed, expressing forgiveness toward her executioners. She said, “I thank God for this ten weeks’ quiet before the end. Life has always been hurried and full of difficulty. This time of rest has been a great mercy. But this I would say, standing as I do in view of God and eternity, I realize that patriotism is not enough. I must have no hatred or bitterness toward anyone.”
Edith’s execution on October 12, 1915, horrified the world. Her grace stunned even her captors. After the war ended, Edith’s remains were exhumed, and she was reburied with great ceremony in a cemetery near her childhood home in Swardeston.
Edith believed that patriotism must be examined through love for our fellow humans and through the commandment of Christ to love and forgive without regard to nationality, ethnicity, or our own bitterness.
Collect for Edith Cavell
Holy God, in grace and mercy your Son asks us to love our enemies and forgive those who persecute us: Grant us the desire to follow the example of your servant Edith Cavell who, in your name, healed the wounded, guided those in danger to safety, and forgave those who persecuted her as she was sustained by your word and sacrament; through the name of your Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
John Wesley vs. Edith Cavell
- Edith Cavell (68%, 5,468 Votes)
- John Wesley (32%, 2,533 Votes)
Total Voters: 8,001
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Edith, nurse and martyr has my vote!
We need Edith today more than ever!
I definitely agree!!
yes we do, we need someone like her all over the world
Amen to that!
Edith’s story stunned me this morning. She gets my vote.
I had never heard of this woman before. She’s truly an inspiration. Thanks Lent Madness people !
ditto
Love your avatar, Linda!
English children used to be taught about her as a national hero. Not sure if they still are.
Same here. Really beautiful story. Voting for Edith today.
Likewise, awesome story about the dear lady.
Like some of the previous comments, I was deeply moved by Edith’s devotion to God and humanity and her courage! It is very hard for me to feel loving toward some in our government who (to my thinking) wish to destroy all that is good in our country. However, Edith’s humility reminded me that love and mercy are our highest callings!
A woman who demonstrated love and compassion throughout her life.
Yes
Tough one. Thomas Wesley had a great influence on the church as we know it today and the author of the first hymnal published in America. But in the end, I had to vote for Edith. The Collect for Edith Cavell says it all.
Now what am I going to do over the weekend without Lent Madness?
John, John Wesley.
With fifteen children, there must have been a Thomas in there somewhere.
Probably several “Hey, You”s too.
Wesley… 40,000 sermons in his lifetime? approximately 60 yrs of active ministry, 365 days/yr would mean 1.8 sermons per day 7 days / week!! Lasting impact to Christianity… voted for him however now realizing that the “underdogs” are consistently winning.
I noticed the underdog theme as well. It seems as if some people are largely voting for the lesser known candidates throughout. Not sure if this is a reaction to something or just a general groundswell for the underdog.
How about we’re voting for the candidate we want to win because we feel they are the most deserving?
Yes. It’s true some titans of Anglican doctrine and evangelism have been set aside in favor of some humble folk of little fame. Those are the daily saints who live the Word of God, and I’m drawn to them.
Me too.
Mine too, for these words:
“But this I would say, standing as I do in view of God and eternity, I realize that patriotism is not enough. I must have no hatred or bitterness toward anyone.”
I think John Wesley’s impact on religion was far greater than Edith’s and he is well-known but after reading about Edith’s stance for peace and forgiveness, I voted for her. I think her example of putting faith first before nationalism is much needed today.
I agree with you that we could learn alot from Edith’s stance.
I went with John.
I learned about Edith on a visit to the Canadian Rocky Mountains. The Ice Field Highway near the north end has a Monnt Edith Caval with a great hike up to a large glacier. After the visit I did some reading and it turned out that as noted during WWI Edith was a nurse to many wounded soldiers on both sides of the war. This is one reason that I was compelled to vote for Edith.
Exactly my way of learning about Edith Cavell. Happened upon the plaque in her memory while hiking in the Canadian Rockies and sought it out when I returned with my children 15 years later as I had told them about this brave woman.
Hooray! The Jaaps are playing!
You Bet, coming from Lake Woebegone we are reserved and not too outragious. My adventure included entering a cave in the Angel Glacier. Upon exiting, saw the warning sign not to do so. I sined and survived.
On the side of Mt. Edith Cavell, there is a glacier that is, at least locally, known as Angel Glacier, because it has the outline of an angel with wings spread. Given that, how could I not vote for her?
I also learned the story of Edith Cavell while in this same area. Her entire life was one of service and that is why she got my vote today.
Very few saints in the history of LM come close to the depth and breadth of John Wesley’s impact on the world. The wide scope of his writings, reveal not just his intellectual interests but his commitment to the poor. In his day, the poor did not have access to education or healthcare. He wanted to put useful books in their hands. As a devoted Anglican priest to his deathbed, his words were not exaggeration: “the world truly was his parish.”
I was so taken by Edith. Yet John made such a huge impact on so many and on the Church. John got my vote today.
Tough decision. I went with Wesley. However, I am thankful for being exposed to a person whom I never encountered before. (Cavel)
While I have great respect for Wesley, I was stunned by the story of Edith’s life. What an amazing woman. Strong and true to the end. Great example for us all.
Edith. For some reason the war time martyrs are speaking to me this year.
Thought I’d go with John, but Edith’s story is moving. She was indeed a martyr!
A very hard vote. Edith got it. No greater love than to lay down your life for others.
I’m surprised that people haven’t heard of Edith until today; I first read about her as a child, in one of those biographies (I don’t remember the series title) published to inspire young girls. I’ve admired her ever since, and she got my vote today. It was a tough choice though.
I also read about her as a child, in a book I think titled “The Girl’s Book of Heroines”.
I voted for Edith Cavell, as I believe that forgiveness is a foundation of living a Christian life, and something I continually work on for Christ’s sake.
I wish these two had not been matched, as both are so worthy. Hatred of my political opposites is my besetting sin in this time of tumult. I was moved by Cavell’s ability to forgive and her bravery to lay down her life for others. She died on my birthday to be. I voted for her, in grateful praise.
“Hatred of my political opposites” is what I thought of, too, Karen, when I read about Edith. And that’s why I’m voting for her.
Me too, Susan. Sunday’s sermon will talk about the problem of violence, and how two sides (no guns vs. gun rights) just hating each other is not the answer. Staying divided and making no progress is the way of the Adversary (Satan). Edith inspires me.
While we often think of the “practical” purposes of Wesley’s methods of organizing us Anglican church folk in classes–getting us practicing our faith during the week in acts of social justice–he also of course cared about our interior spiritual life. Wesley, for example was a great reader and promoter of the Catholic mystics like Madam Marie de Guyon. And he was an avid sacramentalist consistently advocating regular Eucharist when that was falling out of practice in the Church of England.
Like
Louis Weil said that Wesley’s “method” was frequent Communion.
He learned that from his father, Samuel Wesley, Senior.
How timely to learn about Edith Cavell, her message is so needed in the US right now. I love John Wesley but he is well know. My vote is for the message of Edith Cavell.
This is the first time I have heard of Edith. What a brave and godly woman following Christ’s example of forgiving her enemies even as she faced death by them! What courage and humility. John Wesley has certainly earned his halo already, so I will go with Edith and pray her example helps me forgive those with whom I am so politically opposed, even while lawfully fighting for more Christian, love filled laws.
I had to vote for Edith. I heard about her for the first time when I attended a session at the Brewster Library where an author talked about her biography of Edith. It was fascinating and very moving. She has been forgotten by many for her courage and bravery and faith.
Edith Cavell. Who knew?
Not enough of us, it seems.
Grateful to Lent Madness for presenting us with these lesser known heroes of the faith.
I was prepared to vote for Wesley, but as I read Edith’s story, I found my heart “strangely warmed.” Her commitment to saving other’s lives, and her ability to forgive her persecutors, is amazing. Indeed, “patriotism must be examined through the love of our fellow human beings.”
As nurse my vote has to go for Edith! A true Christian and nurse of great courage and love.
Edith lived her faith with action & forgiveness, she gets my vote today.
A tough choice, but I voted for Edith because of her commitment to forgiveness with no bitterness or hatred. I am not patriotic to any one nation, having lived in three, and her words regarding patriotism not being enough resonated with me. We are citizens of a greater Kingdom – may we each live in that reality!
My husband and I lived in Norwich, England for two years and the Norwich Cathedral was our home church during that time. Every Sunday, we would walk through the gates to the cathedral close and pass by the monument to Edith Cavell. Her story is one of grace and courage and was recently detailed in a great biography by Diana Souhami. In addition there is a an amazing piece of artwork in the Cathedral library entitled “The Passion of Edith Cavell” — link here:
https://www.cathedral.org.uk/about/gallery/detail/the-passion-of-edith-cavell
I’d forgotten about that statue! I can see it clearly now. Norwich is a great place to go for touchstones to saintly women!
I voted for John Wesley — he continues to inspire me towards a faith involving both deep emotional transformation and social action — but I have great respect for Edith Cavell. By the way, there is a mountain named for her in Jasper National Park, Canada. It is over 11,000 feet tall. Appropriate — she is a towering figure to look up to.
As a good Methodist, I voted for John Wesley. Lent Madness followers also note that Charles Wesley, his brother and prolific Hymn writer extraordinaire, won the Golden Halo. So surely brother John has a chance!
Thank you for mentioning Charles Wesley. In 1957 at age 16, I had the honor of singing on the recording, “O For A Thousand Tongues To Sing” celebrating the 250th anniversary of Charles’ birth. Both John and Charles greatly influenced the development and strengthening of my faith and continue to do so today.
Agree with this. Wesley was major Sunday school promoter too – perhaps influencing her efforts later in one of God’s holy connections.
The Collect for John Wesley had me, so beautiful, so holy. Then I read of Edith’s grace and love as she awaited her execution. I had to vote for her.
It was exactly the same for me. What a beautiful collect! I will be using that in prayer. But Edith got my vote today. It is rare that I say “wow” after reading one of these saintly write-ups. Thanks to both Celebrity Bloggers!
The Collect for John Wesley is known as the Wesley Covenant Prayer. He encouraged people to pray it often and created a Covenant worship service for New Year’s Day. My daily devotionals include the option of praying the Covenant Prayer.
Edith’s appreciation for “ten weeks’ quiet before the end” did it for me.
I went with John but…I am deeply moved by Edith’s acts of sacrifice and forgiveness.
Although inclined to vote for Edith Cavell, I must go with John Wesley. Not only for his overall massive impact on the faith, but especially for his staunch opposition to Calvinism/predestination. He refused to support the then-popular notion that some people are born to do well in life, and others are not; rather, he believed that every person was equally loved by God and free to make of life what they could. While far from a perfect example — his trip to the American colonies was initially intended as an effort to convert Native Americans — he became a fierce abolitionist. He was also a mystic who urged people toward inner spirituality. For these reasons, he has my vote.
Yes! So often people remember only his organizational skills, forgetting that he worked tirelessley for the poor, the sick, and the uneducated. Of course, he was also #15 of 19 children, not the youngest of 15, brother Charles being #18. Maybe Susanna Wesley needs to be in the bracket next year.
Go Susanna!!!!
I knew of Edith Cavell from a biography I read as a child. As saintly as she was, I had to go for John Wesley who “lived and died a member of the Church of England,” and tried to bring the church back to ministering to the marginalized.
Edith. I now live just a short distance from her shrine at Norwich Cathedral! She was such a powerful witness to the faith. Wish I could show you the pic I have of her memorial statue outside the cathedral. There’s even a small bistro/bar named after her here.
Oh. And one of the primary schools I shall be visiting regularly is also named after her. It is in my patch just a five minutes walk from me.
I was on the fence until I read the last paragraph, “Edith believed that patriotism must be examined through love for our fellow humans and through the commandment of Christ to love and forgive without regard to nationality, ethnicity, or our own bitterness.” We need alot more of this in our world today.
Yep — Edith got my vote when I read that line!
Wow! What a powerful statement. Edith got my vote. Though as a former resident of Delaware, I would often drive past Barratt’s Chapel (on Rte. 13 South of Dover, DE) dubbed by someone as the cradle of Methodism in the US.
While I was captivated by Edith’s bravery and compassion, I voted for John because his impact on Anglicanism and Methodism is immense. It is easy to get swept away by the talents of our celebrity bloggers, and you have to remember that ALL the saints are seated around that enormous banquet table in heaven!
A moving portrait of a lesser-known figure: a much-needed example of faithfulness, compassion and courage.
This was a difficult decision for me as I am a graduate of Candler School of Theology at Emory University and have worked with children in both Methodist and Episcopal churches for the past 25 years. I have taught about John Wesley often and his life, his folly, his faith, his persistence has often inspired me. But in this time, when our country is so fractured, the model and mentor that Edith Cavell was, in service, sacrifice and tolerance got my vote.
Why do I not know you, Ellen? I graduated from Candler in the 80s and have been doing Christian ed in Methodist and Episcopal churches in Atlanta all these years as well! Small world!
Dear God do we need Edith Cavells right now! However, the Wesley collect is incredibly wonderful. Thanks to both the candidates and the two bio writers. Very well done.
I thought I knew going in whom I would vote for, and learn about a new saintly figure in the process. Nope. This Methodist voted for Edith Cavell. We need her example right now.
The last sentence in her bio did it for me: “patriotism must be examined through love for our fellow humans…” Couldn’t be more timely.
Edith is a solid emotional example of commitment. On the other hand John spent his life, and gave his life unreservedly, to growing the Christian faith… helping others (perhaps an Edith?) into the new life. How would Edith have known that to forgive and to sacrifice were the ways forward, if not for those like John… who told them of Jesus?
The Collect for John Wesley describes the actions of Edith. I had to wrestle with the voting decision. Edith won.
This one was the easiest for me. Edith wins. Our nation could benefit from her attitude towards others right now.
A Hugh Amen to that!
I know of Edith Cavell because of a mountain named for her in the Canadian Rockies. A source of spiritual inspiration
John Wesley gave us wisdom we can use in our time: “There is no personal holiness without social holiness.”
Learning about Edith and her capacity for forgiveness, even for her persecutors, is something we all need to hear and be reminded: to forgive all, regardless.
Edith believed that patriotism must be examined through love for our fellow humans and through the commandment of Christ to love and forgive without regard to nationality, ethnicity, or our own bitterness.
A message I need at this time!
For as much as John Wesley did to spread the word, I felt Edith’s actions said more and resonated more with me. I also had a difficult time believing that he gave more than 40,000 sermons in his life. He would have needed to give 2 sermons a day, every day from the time he was ordained until the day he died.
But J. W. was a very busy person. If you count the sermons he gave to those who persecuted and threatened him, it’s easy for me to believe that number!
Edith – who gave up her life, so that others, including her co-conspirators could go free – gets my vote.
Getting to learn about people like Edith Cavell is one of the great joys of Lent Madness.
Thank you for highlighting her.
A difficult one, but I must vote for Edith. She answered her calling to be a nurse. For nursing is a gift and a calling. She was a heroine and her ministry addresses the same issues we face in the USA Today.
“Edith believed that patriotism must be examined through love for our fellow humans and through the commandment of Christ to love and forgive without regard to nationality, ethnicity, or our own bitterness.” That did it for Edith for me. We need more Ediths in the world today.
All honor to Edith for her grace and courage, but my vote today goes to one of my favorite Anglican theologians, John Wesley. I especially like his two sermons, “On a Catholic Spirit” and “The Nature of Enthusiasm.”
I am a nurse, retired, Edith has always been one of my heroes!
John Wesley’s faith, and his training of lay preachers profoundly influenced the spread, and support of Christian communities in the developing years of the Canadian west. The Moravian encounter aboard ship gave him a maxim, from the Moravian leader “Throw your heart over the wall and the rest of you will follow” Wesley took this to mean that heart could persuade reason in matters of faith.
Tough call. This was a close toss up for me, seeing as how both were very kind, religious people. If I could, I would go back and put in a vote for the person I didn’t vote for.
Edith Cavell was an ordinary woman who worked in God’s name and did what needed to be done in every circumstance. That is the true definition of sainthood. GO EDITH!!
Shame on me… My thoughts went immediately to MYF vs EYC. Kissimmee, FL, in 1960s. MYF won hands down – more girls. Then my wife reminded me again to grow up.
Edith, because of her direct impact to my parents generation and her example for me today.
Does anyone else feel the shift? Celebration of those that simply trudge with grace, love and bravery with other human beings. Edith
Agree! At this time and at all times, we do need to celebrate God’s mercy and the love and bravery of our brothers and sisters in the Faith. The sacrifices made and remembered for our fellow humans … what is a better purpose?
Mary Jane,
Indeed, my faith is strong, and I need no burning bushes to see God. I need to see that others can endure with faith and perseverance and do God’s work. ” I sing a song of the Saints of God, and I mean to be one , too”
The collect for John Wesley had my finger poised on his “Vote” button, but, along with many others today, I realized that I need to have Edith Cavell as and example in this time and in this place.
I believe I have unlocked the Why of the matchups, and the SEC is brilliant. I see in these matchups an “old” Saint that affected the entire world with their learning and devotion inspire a “new” Saint to the national or regional level. Which, in my opinion, should therefore affect our actions to the local level. How do we follow in the footsteps of Edith or Maria in our church, neighborhood or city? This has affeected me deeply and has made me question how I am walking my path as a Christian in this unsettled and violent world that we encounter on a daily, and sometimes hourly, basis. I must say that the collect for John Wesley gets very specific when looked at in the light of The Lord’s Prayer, ‘not my will, but thine be done’. (Something I struggle with every day.) To do so joyfully and with complete submission, as the collect seems to indicate, it sometimes even harder. I had to vote for Wesley in light of that alone.
I believe you are 100% correct in your assessment of the match-ups Marian – Brilliant SEC indeed!
I did not read this before I wrote my reply. I did not see any such grand design but it is very thoughtful and clever. I don’t want this to be easy and like everyone else I want to learn and become stronger in my faith.
I wish now I had saved the old brackets to go over them again.
That was a tough one! I thought for sure my Wesleyan loyalty was strong enough to avoid temptation. But, alas!
John Wesley is one of the most important figures in the development of Protestant Christianity, and as I read through the above material, I intended to vote for him. I knew the outline of Edith Clavell’s story; while honoring her witness I felt that Wesley was the more deserving. Then I read Clavell’s last words. In the USA at this moment in history, we should all take to heart the expression, “Patriotism is not enough,” and remember that all of us are, above all, Children of God, and citizens of God’s Kingdom first of all, and only secondly, and temporarily, citizens of any earthly nation. I voted for Edith.
Almost voted for Wesley, but then read Edith’s quote before she was executed, “….patriotism is not enough. I must have no hatred or bitterness toward anyone. THAT did it.
With fear for my bracket, I stepped out in faith and voted for Edith . . . what a reward to see her vote total surging well past Wesley so early! With great respect and affection to Methodists everywhere, I am completely enamored with Edith — her remarkable courage, the amazing grace she displayed in forgiving her executioners, and particularly the joy, yes I’ll say joy, she found in her contemplative end. I’m so glad Lent Madness introduced me to this remarkable saint this year.
Although I greatly admire Edith Cavell, I had to go with John Wesley. I was a Methodist for 28 years before marrying a Brit and becoming an Anglican. We visited Wesley Chapel and rectory in London and there I learned that Wesley, always trying to improve the lives of the poor and the disabled, had invented the first electric shock machine, trying to help the mentally ill who were treated so horribly in those days. His commitment to everyday people was complete and never wavered.
Edith’s story moved me to tears! “I must have no hatred or bitterness toward anyone.”
It’s still early for me folks, so please forgive the “Hugh” that came through- it was supposed to be “HUGE”!
I had never heard of Edith but was very moved by her story. However, being raised in the Methodist church and having learned about Wesley from the beginning, I have to vote for him.
This was a hard choice today, but I believe Edith’s final thoughts speaks to all Americans in this time of national division and animosity.
I was all set to vote for Wesley, and then that whole love and forgive everyone came along. Such an important message for these times. Thanks again LM, for educating me about someone that I’d never heard of!
One of the things that concerns me in these conversations/comments, is that we assume that people know about Jesus.. but in our current culture the only version many Millennials know is that put out by the very conservative right. We Episcopalians are good at social action/issues but not so good at evangelism… of actually helping people become Christian. And frankly, I think that is what the task is going to be going forward.
Years ago I recall telling someone… if we want to have urban mission, we need to have some urban Christians.
Wesley’s movement was in fact the spearhead of a great social action…way out ahead of the C of E in general, precisely because of it’s commitment to, and knowledge of Jesus. Actions like Edith’s grow out of the faith, not the other way ’round.
It’s certainly why I went to March in Selma… not because I was that brilliant about civil rights, but because I’d decided about Jesus… and that was what THAT moved me into.
I commend your comments, Len. And thank you for your service at Selma! We received a Bishop visitation recently at our Episcopal church, and he encouraged us to be evangelists, telling people what our church means to us and inviting them to attend with us. It is hard to do for us, I think, religion is one of those subjects people feel can only lead to arguments or misunderstandings. I’m certainly guilty of shyness, but I’m trying to be more outgoing about my faith. I’ve read that the majority of Americans who call themselves Christians have a very childlike view of religion. “God likes me and wants me to do well in a very hands-off way. I’ll pray to him when I need something, and that’s about it.” There is a richness they are missing out on, and we have an obligation to share it with them.
Thank you for your clear thought Len; spot on! Hope all is well with you and Lindsey and all those dear to you.
Thanks Connie… Lindsay sends hugs too
Yes, yes, and yes again. Thank you, Len, for expressing this.
Edith. Wow! The Lenten theme of encountering those who have taken action in their faith persists. Not that John Wesley wasn’t worthy, just that Edith Cavell’s example speaks unwritten volumes to me.
I had expected I would vote for John. And then I read about Edith. In today’s world, we need more Ediths. What an inspiration!
I was baptized and raised a Methodist and though I admire the conviction of Edith Cavell (whom I’d never heard of), John Wesley has had a far greater impact in Anglicanism and Christianity over the centuries. Truly, his message has been far-reaching and ever-enduring.
Yes. I had a similar journey. Wesley’s such an important person in the faith, but yet… Having read Edith’s story I felt compelled to vote for her.
Edith lived the life of a disciple . She ran toward Christ and his work.
I voted for John Wesley. I am not in the mood for martyrs this Lent. I honor Edith Cavell and her work and sacrifice, but I am more interested this year in the “discipline of spirituality” that changes the world. As someone trying to figure out how to help preserve American democracy and “save our national soul,” I look to Wesley as a model. John Wesley experienced failure and overcame it to become someone who, in the spirit, transformed religiosity as we know it. Not John the baptizer but John the preacher and organizer, he revived spiritual practice and breathed new life into it. To me that is huge. I assume the collect is quoting him: “I am no longer my own but yours.” Amen
I, too, am finding myself less interested in martyrs this year. We can open a newspaper or browser and see them laid out before us throught the world. I am finding myself in need of contemplating my inner spirituality instead of living a recationary spirituality. I think that is why Wesley has affected me so deeply this morning – I, and we all, must truly explore our own inner spirituality in order to better react to world and local events in a truly Christian and Christ-like manner.
Yesterday was the anniversary of Sophia Scholl, who was executed by the Nazis on 2/22/1943 for non-violent resistance to Hitler. She was 21; she was guillotined for distributing anti-war leaflets at the University of Munich. We have many martyrs to mourn. How to act faithfully in a dangerous and hostile world is a perpetual challenge. I seek the “green martyrs” who taught us how to conduct ourselves “righteously” through all the perils of ordinary life.
Indeed, the whole collect is the work of J W. It can be found in the service of commitment and covenant typically used on New Year’s Eve in a (sadly) few of our remaining Methodist churches. As John Wesley is my father in the faith (I am a lifelong Methodist) I must vote for him. His life inspired me, his words guided me, his church formed me, his spirituality comforted me, the hymnody encouraged by him and written by his brother, Charles, has been my joy. I am who I am largely because of the Methodist movement.
Love the Methodist Church where in Kentucky little chapels and churches are ubiquitous. I attend the Methodist Church there because the closest Episcopal Church is two counties over. Yes, I certainly voted for John.
Indeed, the collect is Wesley’s Covenant Prayer, often used by Methodists like me worldwide for New Year’s Eve or Day services.
Edith Cavill, a saint for our times!
Is this twice now that a martyr and a church person of letters have run against each other? It is a no brainer for me most of the time. I thought hard for Peter and Paul and the upcoming Maria and Quiteria may even require some prayer. I don’t want to come out and say it but could some of these be stacked???
Always learning something new during Lent Madness. I’ve never heard of Edith Cavell, and she was a true inspiration.
I voted for Edith but loved Neva’s collect for John. In fact, I feel it could be applied to Edith’s life as well. Well done all around.
John wrote that prayer himself. Kudos to Neva for thinking of using it.
thank you for letting me know!
You’re welcome! 🙂
“Edith believed that patriotism must be examined through love for our fellow humans and through the commandment of Christ to love and forgive without regard to nationality, ethnicity, or our own bitterness.”
Such a necessary message today!
Our country could use an Edith Cavell! “Patriotism is not enough.”
You know what? I just refuse to choose!
As compiler of the first Anglican hymnal Wesley has to have my vote today, in spite of Cavell’s superiority.
I graduated from Southern Methodist University and was totally prepared to vote again for one of the three original Anglo-Methodists. Then I read Laurie’s bit about Edith and remembered why her name sounded familiar.
My minor at SMU was in Human Rights and like many in the program I was involved with work opposing the Death Penalty, especially in Texas. [If you haven’t yet seen the documentary At the Death House Door you need to look it up and see it before Holy Week.
So on behalf of all those who have been murdered by the state, including Our Lord, I must vote for Edith Carvell. Talk about imitating Christ.
[The only major Christian denomination to support instead of oppose the death penalty is the Southern Baptist. That they can worship Jesus and support state murder is a work of cognitive dissonance beyond belief.]
Thank you for speaking up about the death penalty.
Anytime Susan, anytime. The Episcopal Church has a formal stance against the death penalty, but I think we need to do more to make sure the people in the pulpits and the people in the pews know it.
Yes, indeed, we do.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/bbc/11861398/Revealed-New-evidence-that-executed-wartime-nurse-Edith-Cavells-network-was-spying.html
The article above adds more nuance to Edith Cavell’s story, even as I treasure her desire to save their despite nationality
https://youtu.be/TZ7Nuw_rTmE
I also found this clip on Edith Cavell’s life
In spite of his tremendous impact on the Christian church, I could not bring myself to vote for John Wesley over the incredible and I’m afraid mostly forgotten Edith Cavell. So give her the Golden Halo, as Wesley has received plenty of attention and plaudits. But let me just say that I think Wesley has the most beautiful collect I have ever read!
We need Edith’s spirit and example right now in this country. Let us learn from her example.
Richard Hooker gets paired against a made up story and John Wesley is placed against a female World War 2 martyr. The SEC has an anti-UMC bias.
Madness indeed! The two Padres know what havoc they wreak because the daily choices cause us to think and re-think our final choices before pushing that VOTE button. Global or local? Ordained or lay? It really is HOLY MADNESS ! I appreciate knowing more about the lesser known, and oftimes unknown, until they are unearthed here. Today, my focus is on loving and forgiving…no hatred..no bitterness. Edith Cavell-saint and martyr.
Geez, intellectuals whose works have had a profound and lasting international impact just don’t stand a chance in these matchups. I voted for John Wesley.
Seems to be the case for 2018.
A common theme indeed. Madness for certain.
Exactly.
As a nurse, I was very impressed to learn of Edith Cavell during a trip to Alberta. She has my vote today. What greater love.
Such a tough call today. As a nurse, I lean to Edith Cavell, and admire her work and her forgiving her enemies. Yet as the Episcopalian wife and daughter of Methodists, I cannot help but admire John Wesley, an Anglican who showed us a different way. God bless them both!
As a child I was given a book of biographies of famous women. Edith Cavell was among them, and while I didn’t recall exactly what she had done, I knew she had shown great courage in terrible times. As the profile makes clear, John Wesley was a seminal figure in the development of Protestantism. As someone who was raised Roman Catholic, I’ve never understood why or how there came to be so many denominations within the Protestant universe. Maybe it’s just my ignorance talking, but if John Wesley was the father of Methodism, doesn’t that make him part of the fragmentation process? I would never tell anyone else how to worship, but I wonder what God makes of all these distinctions and divisions. My vote is for Edith, who made no distinctions when it came to love and forgiveness, and who put her life on the line for others.
John Wesley was adamantly opposed to fracturing the Church. He remained an Anglican all his life, but his followers — especially in the American colonies — wanted to have their independence, and so the Methodist Church became a political-social necessity. I do not know Wesley’s attitude toward the Roman Catholic Church, but in his time there was no way to bridge the gap between the so-called Papists and the official state church (Anglicanism). Wesley and his close followers participate regularly in Anglican masses, and they created “chapels” for their own small groups and for carrying out their work of evangelism.
**participated**
Thanks for posting this, Gene.
Thank you, Gene. That’s helpful.
Edith’s story is so compelling!
I am to much of a Methodist not to vote for John Wesley. Someone has probably already noted this but there are two errors in the information about Wesley. He was one of at least 19 children, although only 10 survived beyond the first year. Also John’s brother Charles was the youngest of them all. His mother Susanna Wesley must have had saintly qualities for she had a hand in the education of all 10 of her children.
And her husband Samuel was much less than saintly.
It seems to be a year for women in Lent Madness also. But I must vote for John Wesley whose message meant so much to my Welsh and Cornish ancestors. They were poor working men and women and Chapel mattered a great deal. Especially to the women. Cordelia Hocking Hoskins was heart and soul of her Methodist Church in Sutter Creek, California and would have been so proud that one of her great grandsons was later the pastor of this church.
Wesley was not only an intellectual and mystic, but a very practical man. When he saw how most of the population was suffering from a lack of health care and knowledge, he published a book on prevention and remedying of illness, to be distributed among the poor.
For me this was the hardest one yet. They are both outstanding. I voted for John Wesley because
he had the largest influence on the church as a whole.
This is a bad year for Celebrity Bloggers named David! Both David Creech and David Hansen have brought us two saints, and all four have lost. Sorry, guys. I actually voted for two of your saints (one each)! (I accidentally posted this comment on yesterday’s match-up, so I am repeating it here where I meant to put it.)
Another example of forgiveness
“…personal issues and ineffective ministry.” That’s a mild way of putting it. Nevertheless I voted for him. Having served about 25 years in United Methodist churches, and now, in my later years being very active in what I call “an Episcopal congregation with a Wesleyan spirituality,” there was no hesitation on my part…moved though I was by Edith’s life.
as an UMC-er, a vote for Wesley would have been nepotism 😉
besides, he gets all the credit and more than he needs.
let’s hear it for Edith!
Gary
WHERE ARE THE KIDS TODAY?!?
Yet another male with lasting achievements in the intellectual, spiritual, and institutional side of the church, the “gathered community,” up against a female who served courageously in the world. I guess on one day I’ll go for the one, and on another day I’ll go for the other, as both gifts are essential.
I was definitely moved by Smith’s story, but in the John Wesley got my vote for the breadth and deep influence his work had on the church. The Methodist branch of my family would be proud of this cradle Episcopalians choice.
It’s supposed to be Edith. Darn autocorrect! They aren’t even close.
Hahaha! It extrapolated on the “-ith”!
Oh and I might as well be completely annoying and pedantic and comment that the prayer for (of?) Wesley, while lovely and moving (and, I assume, historic), is most definitely NOT a collect.
A collect follows a fixed form: it begins by calling on God and citing some attributes of God, then moves on to a petition that God would help us in some specific way in our journey of faith, hope and love; then ends with an invocation of Jesus Christ our Lord and of the Trinity. This prayer is a totally different kind of address to God — a personal, intimate prayer of devotion and self-dedication.
Also a collect is always prayed in the plural — it addresses God from the standpoint of “us,” not “me.”
Gretchen, you are absolutely right on collects! There is another minor cavil on the write-up too: Wesley’s college ‘s name is ‘The House of Christchurch’, not ‘Christ College’. Minor, but does not encourage confidence in the writer. I could have gone either way today but chose Wesley.
Oh God, who has raised up witnesses to the inbreaking of your kingdom on earth, grant that we may be no longer our own but yours, that we may be most fully ourselves through loving and serving your children, in the name of God the creator, Christ the redeemer, and the Holy Spirit our guide, amen.
The prayer labeled “Collect for John Wesley” is a traditional part of the “Wesley Covenant Service” liturgy, frequently used in services on New Year’s Eve or New Year’s Day. The wording comes directly from John Wesley’s writings, though he attributes the foundations to Richard Alleine. Read more about that prayer on Wikipedia at en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wesley_Covenant_Prayer or by searching for Wesley covenant prayer.
The collect is in fact, Wesley’s Covenant Prayer. I wish the blogger had identified it that way.
“… patriotism must be examined through love for our fellow humans and through the commandment of Christ to love and forgive without regard to nationality, ethnicity, or our own bitterness.” There are some current American political leaders who need to read, believe, and follow Edith’s example. Edith gets my vote. What an incredible life of faith, service, love, and sacrifice.
Well, it’s easy to see why Edith is stomping John with her truly inspiring story, but as a musician, I have to go with the hymnodist.
Modern saints are getting the votes this year. I confess I have contributed some, but not on this one.
“Modern” saints always seem to win in LM, “modern” being those in the age of photography. The exceptions have been Golden Halo winners Mary Magdalene, Charles Wesley, and St. Francis. In daily contests, female saints, social reformers, and “modern” folk tend to win over contemplatives and those from antiquity. We’ve yet to have a Golden Halo bestowed on anyone of color, or a contemplative or theologian per se, unless you count Mary Magdalene. Interesting.
Just for clarity — the Wesley for this contest is John. His brother Charles was the hymn writer par excellence. John wrote some hymn texts but he is known primarily for his preaching and writing.
Also just for historical accuracy — Charles Wesley won the Golden Halo in Lent Madness 2014. In that year’s contests, John and Charles faced off in the first round!
Indeed!
Not sure yet what my group deems as our “method “of spiritual disciplines, but maybe that’s why Methodist and Episcopalians have some commonalities. Interesting learning but still if I could do just a little of what Edith did, all of us would be better off. She gets my vote.
Every year I put the Lent Madness Bracket Poster up on my wall at work. I do get some questions from co-workers as to what it is about, but after 4 years they are getting use to seeing it. This year one of my co-workers came in and said his prediction was that Edith Cavell was going to win the golden halo. I asked what he knew about her and he said, “absolutely nothing about the person, but one of Man o’ Wars fillies had that name and though not a triple crown winner, she was a winner. I was going to vote for Edith on his behalf just for fun. As I read Laurie’s write up, I remembered the story even though I had forgotten Edith’s name. I see why someone would want to honor her in anyway they could. Edith may not have the world renown that John has, but throughout her life she changed her corner of the world by answering God’s call right where she was and all was done for the glory of God. Oh that more of us could have her courage in our own environments.
Really I have to wonder if more women than men are playing the Madness game and if that is why women are trouncing men so often. I voted for John Wesley because of his immense impact on Christian history and, as a singer, because of his hymnody.
You think men wouldn’t vote for a worthy woman candidate? Or be supportive because women have been “down” in the past. Not sure that’s accurate, at least among the men I know.
What a stunning story about Edith, a saint in my book if there ever was one. Raised Methodist, I almost instinctively went for John Wesley, but Edith — namesake of my grandmother, great aunt, and favorite aunt, all now deceased — gets my vote!
I vote for Wesley, because he had a major impact on American church life. The Methodist Church has been a champion of human rights for a long time. His religious journey mirrored mine.
Not so with most of the Methodist churches of my experience. Another of the reasons why I’m an Episcopalian today.
I agree that Methodists have long been supportive of human rights–at least they were when I was a United Methodist (that name change itself speaks to its position on race relations). There’s been a more conservative tilt in the last 20 years or so, I’d say, with the struggle to have the LGBTQ community accepted into ordination, but I still think the United Methodist Church is pretty darn progressive. (Please correct me if I’m wrong on the ordination issue.)
You are correct. Consecutive General Conference have failed to remove that proscription. Right now, there is a Committee on the Way Forward working to purpose an amicable result. How successful they will be….
As much as I admire John Wesley, I was really moved by Edith’s story today. God bless these unsung saints and their acts of faith in the face of grave danger. Would that I could live my life with even a portion of Edith’s bravery and resolve.
I was just going to make my mark for JW and move on, but something made me stop and read about him (once again) and then read about Edith – first time ever. Naturally I ended voting for Edith. Like so many here have said, we NEED her TODAY!
Being a graduate of a nursing school where I lived in the Edith Cavell Residence during my training MANY years ago, I thought my vote was cast even before I read the bios. I am thrilled to say my vote would have gone to Edith even without the personal historical connection. Her message of forgiveness – wow.
As a history professor, I have known of Edith Cavell for many years, but I am once again astonished by her life and faith. Wesley is a towering figure, but I just must vote for Edith.
I voted for John Wesley on the following grounds:
1. his strong and active opposition to slavery,
2. his rejection of Calvinism (at a time when Calvinism was still strong in the C of E) and his optimism both regarding the grace of God and regarding human nature,
3. his willingness to learn from RC and Orthodox figures of the faith (in an era when “popery” was suspect in the C of E),
4. his commitment to the ensuring that Christian faith and practice were accessible to the working classes (both urban and rural),
5. his commitment to ensuring that the Methodist movement he funded remained within the C of E, his profound sadness at the parting of the ways that was beginning to happen during his later years, and the great hope that reconciliation is taking place in the UK at present.
Well stated.
I appreciate this knowlegeable support for John Wesley whose life and works bettered many many lives. Martyrdom is always compelling because of the courage demonstrated. However, Wesley also gave his life for his faith and to spread God’s word.
Good reasons.
Surely a match-up between Sr. Maria from yesterday and today’s Ms. Cavell would have been a far more logical choice (two 20th c. martyrs), as would a Wesley-Kempis match-up, for that matter.
Yes! I love that the saints have been paired up better chronologically. I’m curious, though, to see what would happen if saints with similar callings were paired together as well.
Don’t know for sure but I’m fairly certain the SEC knew what/why/when to pair saints for their intended reasons. Pretty sure they weren’t exactly out to be rational/equal in the eye of we who are the LMVP ( Lent Madness Voting Public). Go SEC — I like your twisted and perverse logic.
LOL!
Having moved to Norfolk, my vote goes to the local woman. But even without the local connection, I am inspired by her bravery, grace and forgiveness, and her recognition that God is beyond and above all borders and nations.
Once again, despite my respect and admiration for John Wesley, the one who gave the ultimate sacrifice for her faith is the one who gets my vote. Edith Cavell it is!
In 1988, I composed a fiddle tune for the 250th anniversary of the Methodist Church that I performed on the hammered dulcimer during the meeting of the United Methodist Church’s Council of Bishops in Morristown, NJ that May. I titled the tune “The Bicentennial Bit;” its latter half is highly syncopated, to represent John’s horse balking as he rode his circuit to preach! However, I voted for Edith Cavell because her story somehow seemed more compelling. I’m fine with the outcome of this vote, whichever way it goes.
I’d love to hear that!
John was not the youngest of 15 children. Charles was about 5 years his junior and Charles had a sister younger than himself. Some have said there were 18 or 19 children, but some did not live to maturity.
Edith was a very courageous woman, and I’m glad to have become acquainted with her story today. But John got my vote for his enormous impact on Christendom.
Here’s something I’m pondering about myself and my voting tendencies in LM. I tend to go for martyrs in a big way. Yesterday I voted for Maria Skobtsova, and I consider her to be a martyr. I don’t consider Edith to be a martyr who died for her faith, though she was indeed a courageous person who gave her life for others. Why is that? Perhaps I view Maria’s actions to rescue Jews from the Nazis as being more tied up with her Christian faith in some way? Edith was undoubtedly motivated by her Christian faith when she made the decision to help those soldiers escape. I think it may have something to do with the fact that Maria acted during WWII and Edith acted during WWI. Hmmm….
“the commandment of Christ to love and forgive without regard to nationality, ethnicity, or our own bitterness.” Or our own bitterness. Well, @#$%! I was going to vote for Edith even before I read that last bit. Wesley is already beloved. I didn’t know Edith and think she deserves to be better known. We all can’t hike that mountain, I don’t think I’ve ever even seen a stained glass window of her. I do like her picture. Plus, the only way for me is to forgive without regard for my own bitterness. I didn’t even realize I was bitter. Ahk. I’m going to look up that mountain and find that angel glacier. Next year I’ll use another name. By the way, I have yet to vote for the underdog.
Right on! Judy!!
its pretty hard not to vote for someone who is killed for her faith.
Edith Cavell, and others like her need to be put to young men and women today, to give them an example of selfless dedication, and devotiomon.
I lived in Belgium when I was in my 20s so I had yo vote for her. O had never heard of this amazing woman, bit felt so connected to her after reading the bio.
Even though I voted (apparently in the minority) for John Wesley, I feel compelled to note that the “collect” at the end of the write-up is, in fact, not a collect. There is a specific formula that a collect follows, and this ain’t it. https://anglicanway.org/2014/04/26/the-form-and-structure-of-the-collect/
Isn’t Lent Madness meant to be fun?
I voted for Edith. That doesn’t mean I do not love and treasure John.
Let us enjoy this time with the saints triumphant!
Edith: such courage, such grace, such love.
Edith got my vote. Thank you, Becky, for sharing the Norwich Cathedral link to the Art that tells her story. She is truly beloved. So happy to know LM is not partisan madness, but Lent Madness. What a fun way to learn! Until Monday, LMW support group and Blessings, all!
Edith for my elderly friend Edi who is loving to all
Edith for me – My mother’s name is Edith, I am a nurse, and I admire Edith living out the courage of her convictions.
Two of my favorite hymns thanks to JW – Give to the Winds Thy Fears and Jesus, Thy Boundless Love to Me. I have no doubt we will learn more about Saint Edith, so voting Wesley this time.
Despite the fact that I am the great-granddaughter of John Wesley B., a Methodist circuit rider, I felt required to vote for Edith, whom I only dimly knew. Some of this Lent Madness thing is undoubtedly about stretching our boundaries!
I was solidly convinced I would vote for Wesley, until this paragraph stopped me dead in my tracks:
“Edith believed that patriotism must be examined through love for our fellow humans and through the commandment of Christ to love and forgive without regard to nationality, ethnicity, or our own bitterness.”
Okay, Edith for the win!
There is a wonderful podcast from the BBC named Witness and for those of you who don’t use iTunes on a computer or the iOS Podcast app, here is the link to go to to stream or download the approximately nine minute-long episode they did on Edith Cavell back in October of 2015: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p034cf4x.
If you do do podcasts, I’d highly recommend subscribing to this wonderfully educational history programme from the BBC.
What a compelling story about Edith.
thought I’d try again to pick..started re-reading the bios and right away came to a decision! The saint and martyr here is Wesley…Mama Wesley, that is! 15 children?!?
And no microwave and no washing machine!
And pretty much all by herself because Samuel was never home . Of course when he came home there would be another baby on the way soon. She was an incredible woman!
This is Lenten Madness at its best. I had never heard of Edith Cavell — and I’m glad to have discovered this remarkable person.
Of course, John Wesley, whose work invented such phrases as “getting your ticket punched” has a truly remarkable place as well.
This vote was so difficult for me, I waited till the last 15 minutes AND spent time reading MANY of the astute comments of my fellow voters. John Wesley’s sainthood cannot be diminished by a victory for Edith today. However, Edith’s faithfulness to the Christian principle of forgiveness arrives at a time in my life when anger is trying to prevail. May I be granted her faith and strength. Thanks to all of you who helped today.
I was intrigued by the Moravians of whom I was not familiar. I read up on them. Fascinating. Thanks Lent Madness to opening a bit more of the world to me.
If you ever get a chance, Nora, visit Old Salem in North Carolina. It’s a living town from the 18th c. My ancestors were Moravian, and my Christmas memories are all wrapped up in beeswax candles with red paper frills, sugar cake and coffee, molasses spice cookies, and a white multi-point paper star hanging from the porch ceiling.
Bethlehem, PA also.
“Edith believed that patriotism must be examined through love for our fellow humans and through the commandment of Christ to love and forgive without regard to nationality, ethnicity, or our own bitterness.” This is what the world needs now, and has always needed. She gets my vote.