Congratulations! You’ve stuck with Lent Madness as a Lenten devotion and the field has been whittled down from 32 saints to eight. After a long and winding road, we have made it to the Round of the Elate Eight. There is now light at the end of the Golden Halo and by the end of the week we’ll be down to the Faithful Four.
We begin this round with an epic battle of Biblical proportions as Peter faces Esther. To make it this far, Peter defeated Paul and John the Evangelist while Esther got past Lazarus of Bethany and Michael the Archangel. The remaining matchups in this round are Phocas the Gardener vs. Richard Hooker, Martin de Porres vs. Maria Skobtsova, and Anna Alexander vs. Eglantyne Jebb. One of these eight will win the 2018 Golden Halo.
The Elate Eight is also known as the Saintly Kitsch round. After basic biographies, quotes and quirks, what else could there be? There are always some folks who take offense to this approach — we call them Kitsch Kranks. Tim and Scott discussed this in yesterday’s edition of Monday Madness. This is not to belittle or demean our saintly heroes but to have some fun and gaze in wide wonder at the breadth of devotional practice. So kindly relax and enjoy the spirit of the Madness as we push ever onward to our goal.
Peter
In his afterlife, St. Peter is perhaps best known for his important work guarding the gates of heaven. It’s a tough job, and who better than a repentant sinner to welcome the rest of us, in our varying degrees of holiness? Here he is looking down upon St. Ita (left) and (right) singing a duet with popstar Amy Winehouse, who died of a drug overdose in 2011.
Jokes starring St. Peter often make fun of–or laud–certain professions. Here’s one knocking mine:
A minister dies and is waiting in line at the Pearly Gates. Ahead of him is a guy wearing a leather jacket, and jeans.
Saint Peter asks, “Who are you, so that I may know whether or not to admit you to the Kingdom of Heaven?”
The guy replies, “I’m Joe, taxi driver, New York City native.”
St. Peter consults his list, smiles, and says to the taxi driver, “Take this silken robe and golden staff and enter the Kingdom of Heaven.”
The taxi driver goes into Heaven, and it’s the minister’s turn.
He stands proudly and booms out, “I am Joseph Snow, pastor of Calvary Church.”
St Peter consults his list. “Take this cotton robe and wooden staff and enter the Kingdom of Heaven.”
“Just a minute,” says the minister. “That man was a taxi driver, and he gets a silken robe and golden staff? How can this be?!”
“Up here, we work by results,” says Saint Peter. “While you preached, people slept; while he drove, people prayed.”
As a minister myself, if I get in, I expect I’ll be wearing cotton in the kingdom.
If you’re worried whether Peter will open the gates for you, try this work around: A key with the Rock of the Church’s saintly image on it. The pendant is sure to function just like a retina scan and send those gates swinging wide! (How much security can there really be up there, anyway?)
You could also try some ‘Success’ scented essential oils, named after Peter because people pray to him to remove obstacles. But buyer beware: Peter’s version of success involves getting crucified upside down, then fast-tracked to heaven.
You might also start pleading your case early with this personalized St. Peter stationary. Conversely, if you’re a prankster, you might order the paper printed with Peter’s address and send threatening letters to people who–in your humble opinion–need to shape up in order to pass through the Pearly Gates.
Of course, the veneration of Peter goes well beyond our self-serving concerns about who will be allowed into God’s Kingdom. People admire him for his good works and
guidance of the early church. Genuine fans of Peter can purchase saintly statues on Amazon, but again beware of Etsy, where a search for St. Peter might turn up this votive candle featuring the dubiously sainted Evan Peters, star of the show American Horror Story and available for purchase online.
The most devout of Peter fans might choose to honor his inverted crucifixion by wearing an upside down cross or this feminine fitted tee that simply screams, “Yes, I have a trim waist and want to show of my Michelle 
Obama arms, but I love me some St. Peter!”
Personally, I’ll be buying myself and the Rev. David Sibley matching Sts. Peter and Paul shirts to commemorate this year’s bracket. David, did you want to show off your guns, or shall I buy you the man tee?
Esther
The hard part about being a super-secret, Sydney-Bristow-spy-saint is that the kitsch you have is so secret as to be hard to detect.
However, my Lenten compadres, this should not suggest to you that Queen Esther is without swag. By no means! Just that you need to know where and how to look.
For starters, cast thine eyes upon this figurine of Saint Esther. This is a prop from a play about a Hispanic family in 
New Mexico, that discovers they are descended from the conversos who fled Spain during the Inquisition. Seen one way, the image of Saint Esther. Flipped upside down, you can see the figures of the Israelites crossing the Red Sea through the parted waters at the hand of Moses—hidden in plain sight.
Esther, please recall, is all about the power of holding onto your God-given identity, even when everything in the world would have you abandon it. This is a powerful message, and speaks to us even today. Yea, and behold, even if humans were silent, the very vegetables would cry aloud this message, for Esther’s tale was retold by the redoubtable bards of Veggie Tales (please ignore the creepiness of their lack of arms or hands, and how they yet manage to manipulate objects.) If you have a spare 40 minutes in your life, it’s all on YouTube.
My personal favorite retelling of Esther’s story, however, is by BimBam, which will having you chanting “GO ESTHER! GO ESTHER!” If you want something more advanced, Joan Collins made a movie about Esther. Yes, THAT Joan Collins, darling. Come for the guys in hats playing bongos, stay for Haman on drugs!
Maybe that is not enough for you, however. Perhaps you need a tangible reminder to be your true, God-given self
at all times. In which case, might I direct your gaze upon this selection of tiaras? Indeed, the internet is such a wonderful place that it has given to us a Tiara Town, where one can purchase not only a tiara to remind yourself to always be the self God wants you to be, but matching tiaras for all your pets.
Finally, we all know it takes courage, persistence, and stamina to resist unjust regimes. It is not easy, and it is not a quick fix. So, in all seriousness, I think Esther would be all about the Southern Poverty Law Center right now. With hate crimes seeing a meteoric rise across the country, their work in identifying and stopping hate groups in the United States is more needed than ever. After white supremacists murdered a woman in Charlottesville over the summer, they have redoubled their efforts, releasing this list of ten ways you, like Esther, can fight hatred where you are.
All of us have a role to play—whether we choose to wear a tiara or just to watch that insane Joan Collins movie on repeat. God calls on each one of us to make this a more just and loving world, as Esther tried to.
Peter vs. Esther
- Esther (51%, 3,495 Votes)
- Peter (49%, 3,358 Votes)
Total Voters: 6,853
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Peter Peter Peter!!
Amen! Amen! Amen. This is as gripping as the Pennsylvania Congressional race last week! Except there will be no “losers” here!
But it’s going to be a long night. P
Ignore the “P”. A slip of the pinkie finger.
Ester for the winnnnn
Go Peter!
Gotta love the NY cab drivers.
LOVE the joke!
In the southern version of Peter at the pearly Gate, he says, “You boys hop in the back of the pickup and I’ll take you up to the big house!” Going for Esther.
I so love Peter and Ms. Belldene you did well! It’s nice to laugh during this time. And that was a HOOT! Ms. Castellan you ALWAYS win me over! Esther❤️
Peter protects heaven so he has my vote.
…from what, please, does Heaven need protection?…
From sinners
From people who vote for Ester.
Snark Snark. Voting for ESTHER is just fine, and I’ll get into Heaven. Probably, you will too.
Uh-oh. That’s me.
I went for Peter due to better kitsch~
Don’t overlook the Veggie Tales for Esther. I’m voting for Peter, however, maybe to make up for going with Paul and John in previous rounds.
I continue to wish we had a button — your Veggie Tale comment!
We do and you foundit — Reply
NO MORE VEGGIE TALES
I went for Esther for that very reason!
Yes, the El Greco t-shirt convinced me!
Esther is awesome and cool and helps people vote esther.
“God calls on each one of us to make this a more just and loving world, as Esther tried to.” Words for today!
–
I voted for Esther because of Megan’s write up, even though I’m sure Peter will win this round.
Nothing against Peter but I go for Esther’s courage and faith as a woman who is honored in the Jewish faith tradition…and is one of the few women to get a book of the Bible named for her!!
I agree Debbie. Nothing against the rock, Peter, but I voted for Esther, a rare woman in the canon of scripture.
True, true, Frank, et al!
I figure Peter’s gotten plenty of recognition over the millennia, so my vote also goes to Esther, Debbie. But looking at the count so far, we’ve got a nail-biter. Closest one I’ve seen yet!
Right up there with the Pennsylvania 18th last week!
#TeamPeter
Queen Esther!
Peter is amazing. The only reason people wouldn’t vote for him is because he said he didn’t know Jesus. But of course that’s just part of being human, everyone makes mistakes.
I’m with you, Hill, I’ve made plenty of them in my lifetime! Been voting for both Peter and Esther each round, so I’m still waffling, so I’ll think on it some more before voting.
I agree
I began by trying to decide who might prevail over Hooker. Chuckled my way through Peter’s kitsch; was sure I would vote for him. The SPLC link reminded me what this is all about and I voted for Esther.
Ester!!!! Let’s go Ester!
Ooohh – close! Peter certainly wins on kitsch, but I think wins on genuine I-can-relate-to-that humanity too, and look where he ended up!
By the way (pedant alert) Peter might be stationary at the Pearly Gates, but you’d want to write to him on stationery. At least, here in the UK that’s how it goes, apologies if it’s different in the U S of A .
Have a blessed Lent, everyone.
I have noticed several times this Lent Madness that the first draft tends to hit the streets without benefit of a copy editor. I suspect God feels the same way about these things as she does about ties in church…St Peter ain’t checkin’ spelling and attire at the PGs.
It’s the same.
Esther all the way. To me, heaven’s gatekeeper is outweighed by this woman of courage, who stood up to evil, risking her own life to save others. Faith without works is a cotton robe.
Amen Kitty!
Peter brings hope to all because of his denials. But through all that, he was the first of the disciples to recognize Jesus as ‘the Christ, the son of the Living God’ and he was charged by Jesus to ‘tend My sheep, feed My sheep’ He made missteps all along the way, but if Jesus chose him to lead the other disciples in working to form the church, he has my vote.
YES YES YES!!!
Esther for my last bit of bracket not busted.
Ditto – plus she has a HOLIDAY!
The BimBam video on Esther is well worth 4 minutes of your time.
Hilarious!
Thanks for the recommendation, Michelle and Ellie, I’ll check it out.
The BimBam episode is entertaining, especially the part about the cookies! I am still (and have been for years) partial to the Veggie Tales version of Esther’s story; and finally, the reversible figure of Esther/Hebrews at the Red Sea is totally cool.
Bum Bam video did it for me, too. Go Esther— go Esther — Go Esther!
“Bum”
Third’s. Charm …. “Bim”!!
Peter welshed on Jesus, denying him three times, whereas Esther risked her own life for her people. To me, her behavior was Christ-like.
Esther stood her ground in an era of madness, not only against a group of people but also of women.
Peter had me at singing with Amy Winehouse
I’m afraid that’s Jesus looking down at St Ita not St Peter.
You are correct. He definitely has the cross showing in His halo (a honor no one else in iconography is given) and His name in Greek appears by His head (the name of the person shown always appears near them in Greek in correctly written iconography). Additionally Jesus isn’t holding any keys. Maybe the SEC should make sure Amber Belidene sees an optometrist during Eastertide.
Jesus’s love for and faith in Peter, the repentant screw-up who says too much at all the inappropriate times, gives me hope.
My thoughts exactly. Voted for Peter as well. His willingness to recognize mistakes and turn back to Jesus, a hero!
Peter is my choice for second chances and my vote, but the Esther kitsch is awesome!
I vote Esther, but I still do not recommend Veggie Tales.
I do not like Veggie Tales at all! My OT prof in seminary told us that is she ever heard us mention them to her she would lower our grade as they fail to tell the stories as written in the Bible. Ido indeed vote for Easter for her bravery and love for her people at the risk of her own life.
I go for the underdog just like Ester did. Besides which I like Joan Collins.
Peter reminds me that I can fail to be the type of Christian that I should be, and still be beloved of God. He’s failings give me hope that God has a higher purpose for me. Esther is cool, but Peter gives me hope.
Had to vote for Peter, it’s the whole “ eponymous” thing…
I went with Peter, although it was REALLY REALLY REALLY hard.
Peter is dear but, in this day and time, my heart is with those who stand up against the Hamon’s of the world.
I am perplexed and fatigued at this point, attributes & kitsch are not reasonating today to make a decision. I had to revert to Excel, Random number generator, saying if the mean and standard deviation of a column of 75 number was even, Ester wins, if odd, Peter.
Calculation yielded: Mean=0.5139, Standard Deviation=0.2749 Peter takes it.
Hoping for insiration tomorrow
For one of the loveliest women I know and for my favorite aunt — sister of my grandmother — Go Esther! Storm those pearly gates!
“I yam who I yam,”, said the Lutheran valiantly attempting to learn a little more. Vote Esther!
Love BimBam’s Purim Story!
Much closer at this time than expected… Wow! 546 Esther to Peter’s 531.
But the ability to turn reality in its head, as in Esther’s statue, with depiction of the parting of the Red Sea won me over completely. (Initially, I was all in for Peter.)
Esther for the win!
I loved Peter’s kitsch, but would rather have Esther on a coffee mug.
I got sidetracked by the Tiara Town link. Lots of bling there! I had to vote for Peter. His life was a bit messy but through him we can see faith, forgiveness, and grace. That is hope for all of us.
Nevertheless, she persisted.
Well, curmudgeons be gone! I love this kitsch! And I’m sticking with Esther.
Esther, Esther, Esther! It’s Women’s History Month…vote Esther!
Wow! Tied at 9:13 a.m.!
Bringing in the SPLC on Esther’s behalf was a sneaky move! I might have voted for her, but I’m more certain that Peter actually existed, and that kinda matters to me.
tha, Elaine. I agree!
And yet, she asked for an extra day to commit genicide against her enemies
Peter is my pet rock. The Amy Winehouse duet piece is one stupendous yet oddly touching piece of kitsch.
I am disappointed with today’s Lenten Madness write up. Peter and Esther deserve a better representation of their good works instead of merchandising and spoofing.
It’s the kitschy round — Peter and Esther have had serious write-ups in the first two rounds, this is the light relief. I think it makes good moments of levity in the long last week of reflection before Palm Sunday and the start of Holy Week.
So I chose Peter, because without him there would be no Church, no Lent, and therefore no Madness.
On the other hand, without Esther there might have been no Jews and no Jesus, at least as we know him.
Maybe that’s why they’re tied.
Esther’s outrageous courage deserves the golden halo.
Meagan’s description brought the choice of Esther the only way to go in this time of chaos!
I voted for Peter because that Amy Winehouse cartoon really was perfect, and I appreciated the joke and the description of the T-shirt for women. But bravo to both bloggers!! Those write-ups were wonderful and the armless veggies had me laughing out loud. The kitsch round is so fun!
I mean, kitsch that includes both St. Peter and Amy Winehouse??? Wins hands down in my book!
Always Esther.
Esther because of that really good write up! Gets an A
HELP! Who won yesterday, March 19?
There was no Lent Madness yesterday–it being Sunday and all. Weekends are hard!
Oh drat! That’s what happens when I travel. I lost a day!! It was Eglantyne.
but this is Tuesday so yesterday as Monday, by my reckoning, so there must have been voting. I remember doing it. I think.
Now it is Wednesday, but you can still get results of all previous 2018 Lent Madness match ups by visiting LentMadness.org/Bracket/. You can also find previous posts at LentMadness.org/.
I voted for Peter because he was the best friend of Jesus and a fisherman (not a Queen). And he said “i am just a stupid man.”
I agree, Oliver. I admire Esther, but Peter gives me hope that my mistakes will be overlooked by Jesus when I meet Peter at the pearly gates
Queen Esther for Actions!! Download that resource book & do something
against hate, injustice & corruption. Thank you, Megan for that link to examples
of modern day Esthers.
YASS QUEEN!
Loved all the kitsch, ladies! I’d like to go for that St. Peter key myself, although the aluminum foil-covered one in Abigail Brown’s hilarious essay sounds like fun.
As for Esther, what about all the loads and loads of Purim kitsch–tambourines, Haman costumes, balloons and graggers, gift baskets of hamanaschen and nuts and kosher wine, masks, wrapping paper and coloring books!
Voting for Esther! In a moment of Esther-Ecstasy I took her all the way to the Golden Halo on my bracket. Too much kosher wine, I guess?
I intentionally steered clear of Purim items because I don’t want to appropriate what is a very real and sacred religious holiday for our Jewish sisters and brothers for our own Christian use in Lent Madness. It did not seem respectful.
Well thought out and well done. Perhaps next year there might be a Rabbi-in-Residence for such needs. (see a Twitter discussion: https://twitter.com/TheRaDR/status/975758872676794368
Megan did very ell all on her own.
I would love to see Rabbi Danya take a turn as a CB!
Just for the sake of argument, Megan, it seems to me that Purim is the perfect meeting point of Lent Madness (where are the italics when you need them?) and Judaism. Purim isn’t a solemn, high holy day, but a day of noise and parades and feasting. Rabbi Eliyahu KiTov writes: “If one attains holiness through affliction, and another attains holiness through indulgence, who is the greater of the two? It may be said that the one who attains holiness through indulgence is greater, for the attainment of holiness through indulgence requires an infinitely greater degree of striving and effort.” (Book Of Our Heritage) Celebratory items like tambourines, balloons, and Haman costumes seem like great Esther kitsch to me.
If you want italics you have to include the proper HTML code.
italic text goes hereOkay it didn’t display the code though I used the code to tell it to do so. Sigh. So you put a < then em then a > and then something you want in italic then you put a < then a / then em then a >. Now if that displays right, what you need to turn text italic will be in bold.
Megan, agreed that Purim is an important holiday for our Jewish friends.
I do wish, though, that the Saintly Scorecard booklets still had recipes as they did for several years. One for hamantaschen would have been a welcome addition!
Here is a recipe for hamentaschen. https://www.marthastewart.com/344675/hamantaschen
I will likely give it a try before the next round (assuming Esther stays in the lead), and if I like it, I’ll post it on my blog.
Oh YUM YES!
me too
Peter was a mess. I can relate. Voted for Peter.
Here I was thinking I was going to vote for Peter, but Esther, you had me at Southern Poverty Law Center.
Peter was a mess. I can relate. Peter gets my vote.
Esther is totally mesmerizing but I named my son Peter. So there you are.
Though Peter will always give me hope that I too am beloved and of use to God despite my faults and fumblings, it’s Esther for me. Esther, who, though her name is not in all of those begats, is in the direct line of Jesus’ spiritual lineage, and without whom he might not have come to be. Esther, who was emboldened by the living and eternal Word before that Word became flesh in Jesus; who reminds us that salvation history dances through time and space and is more grand and encompassing than any one creed or culture. (Seriously: why isn’t Esther’s story part of the Liturgy of the Word in the Easter Vigil???) Esther, because speaking truth to power is as needful as ever. Go Esther! Go Esther!
“The power of holding onto your God-given identity, even when everything in the world would have you abandon it.” What could be more important today than that? Esther!
Well, today’s writers have discovered a treasure trove of kitsch that outdoes any I’ve seen in the past. I was almost tempted to shell out some big bucks but remembered that I should be gathering ducats for my church pledge, not t-shirts or candles or CDs. Although Esther is indeed a role model for women and for those in danger of losing their lives, it was Peter who denied Christ three times. If the the truth be known, many of us are guilty of this grievous sin and must repent ad infinitum. Yet Peter is the rock as we who observe Holy Week seek to be more like him and love and serve our Lord as he faces the Cross where he will shortly in pain and agony. Lord, have mercy on us sinners.
Goodness, this was the hardest yet for me! I love both these saints, but ultimately went with Esther because she stood up to power at great personal risk (plus I liked the bim bam video and simply have to find that Joan Collins movie!). I hope that I could show as much courage as Esther if I needed to, but fear I’d behave as Peter did instead. The will toward self-preservation is strong…
Wow! A dead hear so far (10 am ET). How exciting!!!
Courage, Persistence, Stamina: A Saint we need to emulate in these times. Vote Esther!
I love me some Veggie Tales, but Esther’s episode was, in my opinion, the worst. The Silly Song made me cringe! It is because of that cringing that I couldn’t vote for her. If that video hadn’t been referenced, I would have been an Esther champ…sorry!
Oh my! Who says your vote doesnt matter. I momentarily broke the tie! I loved the Esther video ( Go Esther, Go Esther) and the tiara shop links, but my heart was so touched by Amy and Peter rockin it at the Pearly Gates. As a person in recovery from addiction myself, and having lost friends and family to that awful disease, I cannot help but be drawn to the picture of mercy exhibited by the gates of heaven being opened to one of my own tribe. Such a surprising “icon” to ponder today. I need a copy of this for myself. Blessings
Am I the only one who is just kinda tired of Peter? Peter this. Peter that. Peter here. Peter there. Peter, Peter, everywhere. For God’s sake, give somebody else a chance for a change. Go Esther!
C’mon, Esther!!! I have always loved my namesake for her incredible courage and love of her family and people. And I’m a wee bit sad that her kitsch didn’t include the many awesome Esther halloween costumes out there. ESTHER FOR GOLDEN HALO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I do love the Peter and Amy icon, though. Go Amy! Go Esther!
I’ve always gotten a kick out of the classic image of Peter like a cosmic bouncer, standing outside the gate of heaven to decide who gets in. Because if you read the description in Revelation 21, there are 11 more gates, all standing wide open! I imagine some people might get there and be surprised at all the people who have managed to get in through one of those side doors, without even standing in line and having their credentials checked! All you have to do is leave behind your dirty laundry and falsehood…
Peter has his Basilica and the keys to Heaven – he doesn’t need the golden halo too! Esther all the way for me, because she’s inspired peoples of two faiths to courage.
The vote is still tied and I am still undecided.
But I think it will be Esther for me. For her courage. Sorry Rocky, you know I love you.
tough choice today – both are names we gave our kids! I love both of them (yes, my kids, but also both the saints) . . . even though Queen Esther is my very favorite Veggie Tales episode (I often said to my Esther – “my little queenie-poo can visit me whenever she wants to!”), I voted for Peter because he blew it so royally that everyone since has known the intimate details of his mess-ups, and yet was forgiven by Jesus, forgave himself, stepped out in faith again and again, and has been ever since an inspiration for all of us who have foot-in-mouth disease 🙂 Whether or not he sings duets with us at the pearly gates remains to be seen, but what fun that would be!
I was all Team Peter before reading that last paragraph on Esther. Well done, Megan Castellan!
Esther gets my vote. I actually really liked that figurine.
Peter has better merch but Esther and her bravery in saving her unfairly targeted people wins the day with me.
I like Peter because he guards my heavens. But, this is all pointless because in the end, they are both important. I like both stories. Keep up the good work.
Correction: while Amy Winehouse battled with drug addition, she died of alcohol poisoning.
I can picture Amy & Esther belting out the tunes in heaven.
Esther.
“…belting out the tunes in heaven…” in harmony, of course.
OK, it’s Esther.
Gotta go with someone who promotes the use of natural, breathable fiber. Woe to those who use polyester vestments.
Especially impressed with Esther’s link to Southern Poverty Law Center, thank you!!!
Saint Peter all the way!
Had to vote for Esther!
(I was disappointed to see the Southern Poverty Law Center touted as a go-to place to find ideas on how to fight hatred.) Too political for me, especially in this context….
They have been fighting hatred for decades. They help majorly defund the Klan in the very early 1980s. If you think they are too political, you might want to reflect on why you feel that way.
Our rector recently reminded us that Jesus IS political. It’s politics that saves us humans from ourselves, and SPLC is a terrific guard dog. Their mission is “Fighting Hate, Teaching Tolerance, and Seeking Justice.” That sounds pretty biblical to me.
Amen, Susan!
Agree. Totally agree.
Amen, Miss Susan. Voted for Esther, noting that from here on to the Halo, every candidate is worthy and I voted for all of them in the first round.
Politics does weave in and out of (our beloved optional) Lent Madness (which I would never attempt to reinvent). With all due respect to all bloggers, commenters, and saints, I do think Jesus has the best list of ways to combat hatred:1) love God first and foremost, and 2) love your neighbor as yourself. He even explains how to recognize a neighbor.
Well put, Peg!
I agree-very well put!
I’ve always had a problem with Peter and his conflict with Paul regarding Gentiles & the Mosaic Law.
However, I’ve always admired Queen Esther and her courage. No waffling from her, no denials to save her skin. Yes, Peter redeemed himself after his initial triple denial, and I understand those who see him as the Saint of Second Chances. But Esther never needed a second chance! If we are saved not only by works but by faith, isn’t Esther a better example of faith?
This selection is an easy one for me: Queen Esther!
Holding onto your G0d-given identity and working to overthrow injustice. I love Peter and his work with the Gentiles. I love his imperfectness – I relate. And he died for Christ, no question that is a super big deal. But I have always loved Esther, and she has my heart.
Still traumatised by my one exposure to veggie tales, I vote for Peter. Also slightly troubled by the linking of Esther to fighting for justice, when her book records the retaliation that saw over 75,000 killed when those who had been persecuted turned on their oppressors.
My vote is for Amber and Megan, who both did a killer job finding kitsch for this round. Special kudos for the Esther figurine and for the wry reference to trim waists and Michelle Obama arms, a difficult combination for mortals to achieve. I’m going to fast track myself to a cup of coffee.
This is going to be a tight race! I more or less tossed a coin on this one.
The “contest” is about saints and the life of faith. The canonical book of Esther never in fact mentions God — though the additions to Esther in the Apocrypha specifically add in prayers by her… so I find it kind of surprising that the voting is so close. Are we in such an ‘angry’ time… that fighting and retribution are really the criteria we’re advocating? Gives me pause as we come up on Holy Week…. when Jesus told Peter specifically to put down his sword when he was going to go after their opponents in the garden….
I voted for Megan—I mean Esther. It was the tiaras that did it. That and the 10 ways to fight hatred where you are.
Would that all of you had the touch of Baptist theology that sees Christ’s death as Gods way of allowing all of us who believe in Jesus to enter heaven. Peter just holds the gates open.
Faith, Thank you for joining the conversation, and for sharing your faith.
Did you vote? Hope so!
In Christ,
Cynthia
I don’t care about kitsch or jokes. Esther is my choice!
In round one I posted a collect I wrote in early2017 that Esther inspired. And one of my favorite lines in the Bible is found in II Peter 3:16. And I love the work of the Southern Poverty Law Center (been there, recommend a visit, you’ll find it one block uphill from King Memorial Dexter Avenue Baptist Church [yes re-named for their former pastor, MLK] in Montgomery, Alabama). And I was born the day after the Feast of Saints Peter & Paul for whom our National Cathedral is named and yes, I like it when my birthday falls on a Monday. 😉
Decisions, decisions, decisions.
Guess I’ll go with Esther since Amber mistook Jesus for Peter in the Icon of Saint Ita.
I missed that collect first time around. Beautiful!
Thanks Susan.
An impossible choice! However, since this is kitsch day Veggie Tales wins my vote. Esther it is and probably would have been even without the veggies – we do indeed need her spunk and courage to counter all the prejudice and hate that are so rampant today.
GO ESTHER!
The CEO of a medical insurance company was pleased when Saint Peter met him at the Pearly Gates and let him in. However , as he walked through the gate, Saint Peter said,” Your stay has been approved for three days.”
I voted for Esther.
With Esther asking the king for a second day of slaughter, I can’t vote for her. Besides, Peter stands for all of us who have fallen short, yet have been forgiven and gone on to do better.
That cartoon of Peter crooning with Amy Winehouse in heaven almost changed my mind…but, no, I’m sticking with good Queen Ester, who has always been one of my top biblical role models.
Her story….wow! Exiled from her culture, her people, her family, her home, living among strangers who despised her tribe, no doubt in a harem of the Persian King’s other wives or concubines. And, yet, having the fortitude to remain silent, hidden, until the day her people really needed her. And, then, coming forward to risk the wrath of her murderous tyrant of a “husband.” Just “wow!”
Me thinks we’re in for a close one today! Esther for me and I don’t know how this fine gem missed the kitsch line-up: http://a.co/ii6xnYh
Worth the click! lol
yes indeed — thanks
OK… I confess that you had me at the tiaras! Esther, it is for me, today!
Esther put her neck on the line, so to speak, to save her people. That is pretty awe-inspiring. However PETER was martyred for the faith. I have to vote for Peter, who was more “real” in his lifetime, with his boundless enthusiasm and zeal mixed with doubt and fear. And in death, he felt he wasn’t worthy to die in the exact same manner as Jesus….
Both of these kitsch columns had me laughing hysterically, so it was really hard to choose. In the end, I went with Esther, because of who she was and what she did. Also, girl power!!
Megan’s write-up swayed me as did Dianne’s reference to ‘outrageous courage.’ Would we were all so courageous in the presence of God-less challenges!
Esther, today. But I am dismayed by the silliness.
Invoking the SPLC did it for me, too. They would prevent a present-day Esther from slaughtering her enemies. Continuing the vendetta leads nowhere. Therefore, go Esther.
Esther! Esther! Esther! But it looks like it might be a squeaker!
I have been the victim of feminine wiles in my day, so Peter gets my vote almost by default. Besides, he was the inspiration for one of the most dramatic piece of church architecture–Rome’s St. Peter’s–that always brings wonder and joy to me.
I’ve been a victim of masculine wiles…..that never once entered into my feelings towards Peter…..Esther is a hero in her own right. Are you really that fragile that a bad relationship will sour you on the most noble woman of God who saved her people by her courage???
Men!
Pete’s a beast. Yayayayayayaya!!
Esther Rocks! She had extraordinary courage and passion for her people.
Esther is my girl today. we are certainly in an era where it ‘takes courage, persistence, and stamina to resist in unjust regime (administration). So…I’ll take my tiara to remind me to strive to be the person God calls me to be along with Esther. P.S. I’m a bit jealous of Peter’s cache of trinkets!)
I love all the kitsch! Bring it on! For fun, here’s a page from a multicultural costuming website about how to look like Esther. Go, Queen Esther!
http://takebackhalloween.org/esther/
Oh, that one is fabulous! Love the peacock feather fan! I want!
I had to vote for Esther, but I was sure this was going to be her last gasp. I can’t believe the race is neck and neck! Yay!
I’m surprised Peter is trailing by a slim margin (as of 11:53 MDT). I’ve always been rather fond of the guy who always said the wrong thing at the wrong time and ended up being the rock on which blahblahblah anyway.
By the way (BTW in cyperspeak), I always sleep through the kitsch rounds. The last thing I need in my life is kitsch.
Thanks for the “(BTW in cyperspeak)”. That made my day.
I don’t understand why this is so close. Peter gave up everything to follow, whereas it took Uncle Mordi reminding Esther that she could lose everything if she didn’t take action. Esther did stand up to a king, but Peter stood up to an Empire. Esther put her life on the line, but Peter gave his life. Esther saved a race, but Peter saved not just the Jews but the Gentiles too. Nothing against Esther, but she doesn’t compare to Peter in my mind.
Guy who denied Jesus vs. Esther. Not so hard to understand to me…… no offense by the way.
And who hasn’t denied Jesus one way or another ?
Sister Mary Winifred, Agreed!!!!
I voted for Peter because he reminds me that I can be human and a bit stupid at times and still be a good friend to Jesus.
Nicely put.
Perhaps for a time such as this you were born…
Yes!
This is my first from-the-first-day Lent Madness experience and I was happily surprised with this kitsch round. (It helped that I watched yesterday’s Monday Madness so I was prepared for the silliness.) What fun to read! Celebrity Bloggers, you rock!
Go Esther!
The BimBam video convinced me to go with Esther-“always stand up for what you believe in!”
I was ready to go for Esther, but earlier comments lead me to actually read her entire Book, and wow – that aftermath of turn-about slaughter is seriously disturbing.
It reminds me of the scene in “Becket” where Thomas Becket and a young Saxon monk are in the cathedral knowing death is on its way:
Brother John – “I don’t much care if I am just a grain of sand in a machine. Because I know by putting more and more grains of sand in a machine, one day it’ll come grinding to a stop.”
Becket – “And on that day, what then?”
Brother John – “Well, we’ll have a fine, new, well-oiled machine in place of the old one. And this time we’ll put the Normans into it instead. That’s what justice means, doesn’t it?”
It’s not even clear from the text whether the Jews went after people who *had* hurt them or who just *might* have hurt them given the opportunity. Then there’s this: “And many of the people of the land became Jews; for the fear of the Jews fell upon them.” What does THAT remind you of?
Peter for me!
But GREAT kitsch for both, bloggers!
Good reference with Becket. Sadly, much harm has been done in the name of Peter and his successors as well.
Is Peter going to demand a recount?
It ain’t over till the cock crows thrice.
And then the fat lady sings.
Mary Magdalene was not fat! 😀
(Lest anyone misunderstand, that was a joke!)
I’m still bummed Paul was a “one and done” this year! 🙂
Peter. And this should not be close.
Still had to go for Peter, but a huge shoutout to Megan Castellan for the SPLC link!
Uh huh!
A I was wading through the kitsch in the midafternoon today (I came late to the Madness), it gradually grew on me that there’s a lot of unfinished business here on earth, for which Esther is a great inspiration. Peter can support us in our journey, but Esther rolls up her sleeves and works alongside her. That tipped the scale in my mind by little more than a(n ordinary) feather’s weight. Esther, go up higher!
One of my favorite books ever is Behold Your Queen by Gladys Malvern. After I finished it my mother told me this wonderful story came from the Bible. I’ve read it there but I still love Gladys’ version.
It is hard to vote against Esther, especially with the backing of the Veggie Tales, but Peter will always be my man.
I can’t bring myself to vote for Peter-he just seems so goofy to me.
Y’all who are voting for Esther are being very cavalier about the saint who will be meeting you at the Pearly Gates. Hope he’s in a good mood that day!
As I understand the set-up after death, it’s not Pete who makes and or enforces the rules.
I wonder if celebrity blogger Amber Belldene deliberately sabotaged Peter in this battle (I wouldn’t blame her if she did)!
What a really strange and awful thing to say!
I’ve read more comments for this bracket than any other, and I’m
impressed by everyone’s thoughts. While it hasn’t made me regret
my original vote (“Queen Esther!!!), I have a deeper
understanding and respect for both of Esther & Peter.
Btw, Lent Madness has opened my heart & mind to St. Dymphna. I’d never
heard of her prior to LM, but I’ve become a huge fan.
That is the beauty of Lent Madness: in the midst of wit and silliness,
we learn about inspirational people and our spiritual lives are greatly
enriched as a result. I love Lent Madness!
Oh, for the still undecided: Vote for Esther!
Hey, you guys missed an important piece of Esther kitsch: the 1970s musical “Beauty and the Feast,” which I first saw performed by a youth group when I was about five years old. Someone made me a cassette copy of the soundtrack, and I listened to it on repeat for several years.
Included in it is the gem of a lyric, “Oh, she was liberated/ Had a mind of her own/ She knew she’d never make it/ If she did it alone.” And also … “The moral that emerges/ When the tale is finally told/ Is ‘Liberate your mind but dedicate your soul.'”
Check it out here: https://www.discogs.com/Grace-Hawthorne-Charles-F-Brown-The-Musical-Story-Of-Esther-Beauty-And-The-Feast/release/1436695
Love this. Yep liberate the mind and dedicate the soul. Doing it now!
I love Esther, but how can I vote against St. Peter??
Have to repeat this thought: Are we in such an ‘angry’ time… that fighting and retribution are really the criteria we’re advocating? Gives me pause as we come up on Holy Week…. when Jesus told Peter specifically to put down his sword when he was going to go after their opponents in the garden….
The Esther route is a short term solution… I’m pretty sure that it’s not where the gospel goes.
I’ve studied and written about Bible women for ten years. But I voted for Peter. In the Book of Esther, God is not even mentioned (except for the Greek Apocrypha version). That’s a big selling point for me Peter: that God is a part of the story, above board, and Peter certainly got that. Also — I don’t remember Esther being crucified head down. Certainly that counts for something. The man was fallible, impulsive, gregarious, but couragerous, faithful, and lionhearted. Peter!
I’ve studied and written about Bible women for ten years–but I voted for Peter. In the Book of Esther, God is not even mentioned. Peter is a wonderful disciple: fallible, impulsive, gregarious, and lionhearted. And, he was crucified head down. Surely all that must count for something.
The link to how to stand up to hatred was what threw my vote to Esther. I identify with Peter, always putting his foot in his mouth, but Esther effected changes while her life was in danger.
And Peter didn’t?
The Esther “kitsch” should have included one of my favorite childhood books, “Behold Your Queen” by Gladys Malvern. Thinking of it today, and the fact that it was important to my childhood understanding of faith, and also family loyalty.
Peter is the greater saint, without a doubt – so why does he need Lent Madness to remind us of his importance? Putting a “big dog” like Peter in the game ruins the fun.
Wow, this is a close one. I voted for Esther in all previous rounds, but this is actually the first time I’m voting for Peter. Just can’t *not* vote for a leader among the Apostles and writer of two books of the Bible.
I feel compelled to point out that the picture of the statue in Peter’s write-up is that of St. Expeditus, not St. Peter.
The ten ways, like Ester that we can fight hatred had me. Bless you Megan. I would like you to now put on your tiara.
Peter had a mother-in-law, a home, and I guess there was a Mrs Simon as well. One cannot underestimate the price he and his family paid in his decision to follow Jesus. Esther not only had courage but also considerable position, which she used wisely to save lives. When she encountered injustice she refused to be passive, a great lesson for all of us. Both are admirable. Both risked their neck. The difference is that Peter paid a heavier price.
Peter paid a heavier price and had a massive impact. Esther is cool. Love that she was the spa queen.
Esther. For her courage. Liked the figurine and the story of the play, also the BimBam video, and the SPLC. Go Esther!
Peter paid a heavier price and had a massive impact. Esther is cool. Love that she was the spa queen.
Kudos to both bloggers today! What a great beginning to the kitsch round. I could hardly decide!!!
I voted for Esther anyway, but linking her to SPLC — once a fine organization, but rapidly becoming a hate-group itself — almost changed my mind. (Good people may disagree with me, but most would recognize that it is divisive, and I don’t see a need for that here.)
Dang it! I love Esther. She’s one of my top favorites. But as a faithful member of St Peter’s church, I gotta stick with the team :/
I wanted to vote for Esther but couldn’t vote against Peter. I hemmed, hawed, and fell asleep before casting a ballot. Laodicea’d the heck out of that one alright.