In the second matchup of the Elate Eight, Phocas the Gardener faces Richard Hooker. Our ever-creative Celebrity Bloggers daily earn their keep (well, their Lent Madness mug) in the Round of Saintly Kitsch as they scour the internet for your voting pleasure. To make it to this round, Phocas bested Isidore the Farmer and Katharina von Bora while Richard made it past Mary of Egypt and Margaret of Scotland.
Yesterday, Esther narrowly defeated Peter, in an epic start to the Elate Eight, to become the first saint to advance to the Faithful Four.
Can you feel the excitement? We are getting ever closer to awarding the 2018 Golden Halo. Every vote counts!
Phocas the Gardener
It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a worthy saint in possession of a high number of Lent Madness votes, must be in want of some kitsch. With each successive year, as new saints are added to the pantheon of those hallowed souls that have reached the Elate Eight, and, yes, as the saints get slightly more obscure, or come from slightly deeper cuts into church history, one might expect that even the hallowed corners of the internet might come up completely empty of saleable merchandise for a Saint such as our dear Phocas the Gardener.
Friend, have you not learned to trust Etsy? Have you not learned that somewhere, someone is working on some kind of mixed-media collage in homage to our beloved and hospitable Phocas? Indeed, for the low price of $17, you, too can have a new, modern reinterpretation of the iconography for Saint Phocas. God watches over the saints, and indeed, Etsy watches over Lent Madness bloggers in the kitsch round.
Phocas’ activities caught the attention of the Roman Empire in part because he had the distinct fortune (or misfortune) of living right next to the bustling Black Sea port of Sinope. Located in modern-day Turkey, and now called simply Sinop, his location enabled him to provide hospitality from his garden to the broad cross-section of people who would have made their way through an ancient port city. Since his location allowed him the ability to carry out his ministry to the masses, there is little doubt that Phocas would have gladly sported this “Straight out of Sinop” t-shirt. It would not have only been an expression of hometown pride, but also concise direction – Phocas’s home and garden were, literally, straight outside of Sinope’s gates.
This is the kitsch round of Lent Madness, and Phocas’ garden was at the center of his ministry. We can’t not have a garden gnome. Strike that. We can’t not have garden gnomes (plural). In fact, with a garden that provided hospitality to so many, we need a veritable squad of garden gnomes. Etsy, as always, delivers.
And no garden would be complete without tools. Cultivating is hard work, and a little mechanical assistance can always help. Luckily, high end kitsch merchants have 
us covered. You, too, can have a mini-excavator for your garden. Powered by a staggering 12 volt battery, and with a gnarly max speed of 2.5 mph, you can introduce your child to the wonders of working the garden, tilling the soil, and providing hospitality and food for the hungry masses, just like Phocas. Bargain basement price is $349.95; hard hat, unfortunately, is not included.
Richard Hooker
Whatever you do, do not Google the word “Hooker.” Seriously. Just don’t.
If you are doing your Googles, you must type “Richard Hooker” in order to find interesting, non-fireable, material on one of the chief architects of Anglican theology and identity.
Take this statue of Richard Hooker outside of Exeter Cathedral in the United Kingdom. Sculpted (carved?) in the early 1900s and unveiled in 1907, this statue depicts the “Judicious Hooker” (no jokes, please) seated with an opened book. It is almost as if there should be a plaque in front of this statue that reads: “Richard Hooker will read you
now.” Remember, Hooker is the same man who levied critiques of Puritans and Roman Catholics, all while positioning Anglicanism is the best of the catholic and reformed Christian tradition and advocating for coalition-building Christianity. Do you know how much awesomeness one must possess to fight a battle on two fronts?
To be honest, Richard Hooker perched on this chair with this open book and unbothered countenance is #theologiangoals. When I die, I would like a Hooker-esque statue carved in my likeness. Thank you in advance.
Hooker’s words are so relevant to our contemporary context that W. Bradford Littlejohn, Brian D. Marr, and Bradley G. Belschner have all adapted his Laws of Ecclesiastical Polity to modern English in Radicalism: When Reform Becomes Revolution. Brad Littlejohn actually has a great YouTube video where he reads an excerpt from the work that levies a great critique against extremism performed in God’s name. He writes, “Here lies the greatest danger of all. For when divine authority is used to justify things which are not the commandment of God, but your own mistaken suppositions, you’ll attribute to God whatever you are later led to do in defense of your cause. What this will lead to, God only knows.”
Those of you who belong to the older generation, might remember a television program called M*A*S*H, a comedy-drama that ran form 1972-1983. This television series was based on a book called MASH: A Novel About Three Army Doctors written by Richard Hooker. Richard Hooker is pretty amazing, but even he had to “go the way of all the earth.” (He died, y’all). The Richard Hooker who wrote MASH in 1968 is actually a penname for Dr. H. R. Hornberger, a former military surgeon and writer, who was born in Trenton, New Jersey. Somehow, the original Richard Hooker influenced the latter and he, the latter that is, wrote a book that influenced the creation of a wildly popular television program that basically defined the 70s. (That, and “Good Times” and “Wonder Years). So, basically, Richard Hooker defined the 70s. America, you’re welcome.
Phocas the Gardener vs. Richard Hooker
- Richard Hooker (55%, 3,654 Votes)
- Phocas the Gardener (45%, 3,011 Votes)
Total Voters: 6,665
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I voted for Richard because he gave food and shelter to the people that were going to kill him.
I made a mistake. I am so sorry. I voted for PHOCAS because he gave food and shelter to the people that were going to kill him
Well done.
You’re still a little young for a senior moment.
You had me worried, Oliver! LOL
I voted for him because of that, but also because of his non-stop hospitality to other.
Congratulations to David Sibley for finding *something* for Phocas. I was certain there would be a video of him in a Walmart Garden Center scrawling “Phocas” on a line of garden trowels” with a sparkly Sharpie.
LOL
made me laugh!
I like Phocas because he shared his stuff like a true person who follows Jesus even though people were going to kill him.
Wait, Pailet and Hill–you know each other?? I love seeing your and Oliver’s posts.
Hi guys! Right on.
Phocas was truly saintly in his hospitality and forgiveness. A saint can be important because he or she is an inspiration for others. I’ve resolved to emulate Phocas.
Once I learned about him, so did I!
Since I completed my bracket in advance (and generally have been clobbered) . . . I am all in with Richard Hooker for the Golden Halo. There is still hope!
Go Richard!
Me, too!! What would we Episcopalians have without Richard’s ‘3 legged stool” of scripture, tradition, and reason?!
That stool was one of the things that made me realize that I should be Episcopalian!
Ditto!!
Me, too, John the other Verger – I’m with you. The more I read about Richard Hooker, the more convinced I am that he needs to be awarded the Golden Halo – he is a hero of the faith and also is a source of splendid quotations!
Okay, y’all…Richard’s 15 minutes of Lenten Madness fame is over! Phocas still has a chance, only if he makes it past my favorite, Deaconess Alexander! 🙂 Go, Anna, go! The Diocese of Georgia is behind you all the way!
Hooker all the way! Er, Richard Hooker that is. (It’s important to be clear about this give the news these days.)
“Do not Google the word ‘Hooker.'” LOL!!! I imagine that turned up some kitsch. 🙂
One of the best opening lines in Lent Madness history!
The veritable squad of garden gnomes won me over. My kitsch round vote is for Phocas!
I was leaning toward Phocas — but the gnomes did it for me too
Phocas. I really want one of those excavators!! 🙂
I love Phocas’ kindness and generosity but Richard Hooker set the forever standards for the Episcopal/Anglican via media which so many of us have treasured over the centuries. Hopefully, our faith, based on those standards, has raised up millions of kind and generous folks. Had to go with Richard Hooker.
Well said, Sally. I completely agree.
My thoughts exactly!
Beautifully said, Sally. Definitely a “Like” from me. Thank you.
My reasons exactly! Thank you for articulating them so much more eloquently than I could have.
PS thanks for the Google tips – you saved 1 job today!
Ugh! Didn’t vote for either previously, but I like books & M*A*S*H, so
its Richard by default in a strange mix of saint & kitsch.
Aw, come on, how can you not vote for a guy named: PHOCAS…do we not need to PHOCAS on God and man and providing the word of God to man in whatever manor we can? I voted for such a generous, giving, and forgiving man. AND I just love his name! PHOCAS!!!!!! on the finish line!
A difficult choice! I wanted to vote for Phocas as a fellow gardener but Richard Hooker’s wisdom could not be ignored. Give Etsy it’s due though – there are actually several choices for Phocas icons. I think I may order one to remind me of Phocas’ example of generosity and courage.
I am not on Twitter, but it would be great if someone would post those words of Richard Hooker and # those who keep claiming they are only doing God’s work and use some obscure passage to justify their positions. At least those whose attention spans are only good for 240 characters would maybe find a reason to reflect.
Just tweeted it our hoping that folks might google it to find its author!
At last I picked someone who is ahead–it was the M.A.S.H. connection that did it for me. In the days and months that my husband was drifting off to glory he loved watching M.A.S.H. re-runs. so I place this vote for you Ken–I miss you–you got to go to glory and I am stuck here with Donald Trump and the 4th Northeaster to threaten central Connecticut!
I hope Ken and my Rich are watching
M*A*S*H reruns together in heaven Rich loved it too And I know about Gen. Hooker. But I voted for Phocas—much like Hawkeye Pearce in his own way
And my Tom.
I’m a gardener. Have been since I was eight and my dad gave me a plot in his veg garden to plant zinnias. How, therefore, can I keep from voting Phocas?!
I voted for Phocas for a ridiculous serendipitous reason. The outfit I served with in the army had a station in Sinop, Turkey. I shared this Elate Eight match-up to one of the Army Security Agency Facebook groups.
I know I voted for Phocas before, for his generous giving to others, and also for the kindred spirit gardener in me. Fir this round,the don’t google “hooker”, and M*A*S*H won me over. Suggestion for future kitsch bloggers/seekers: Pinterest and peg doll saints…. It’s a whole new internet rabbit hole!
Ugh * For…. I am awake far too early to be posting on blogs!
For Marcus Halley, M.A,S,H. is still in syndication. It is on Me TV in our local area every evening. Personally, I have been a Richard Hooker fan since I learned of him shortly after I saw the “via media” light and abandoned my genealogical Presbyterianism (My ggf I. P. Osborne (1833-1918) was a Presbyterian minister.) My recollection is that Hooker was the originator of my favorite philosophical expression, “It is what it is.”)
CB Marcus has me laughing out of the gate and then I read this: “Here lies the greatest danger of all. For when divine authority is used to justify things which are not the commandment of God, but your own mistaken suppositions, you’ll attribute to God whatever you are later led to do in defense of your cause. What this will lead to, God only knows.”
Reminding me that Richard Hooker’s words and thoughts are as relevant for us and our world as he was in his day, my vote went for Hooker (which I did not Google).
So the most defining theologist for the Anglican congregation since the Middle Ages against a very early Christian martyr…tough call. But for the fights against the authority of the church liturgical leaders to control salvation, and the fights against the Calvinist predestination and sola fide without works, and most importantly for his concept that “reason is the greatest gift God has given man”, I voted for the Hooker.
Phocas: the saint I never knew I needed.
I’m still all in for Phocus. Remember, he lived the gospel truth, feeding and housing his assasins the night before his death. If anyone deserves the golden halo, he does. He didn’t worry about church polity or bicameral legislative bodies. He worried about the things above Earth’s dark shades.
I had to give this a WWJD? I think Jesus would give Richard a hearty pat on the back for his outstanding work, and bless him; then lead Phocas into the Kingdom of Heaven for his humility and perfect faith. The gardener and the carpenter, y’all.
Like
Karen was sitting here going back and forth over my vote but your reply made up my mind. Phocas is the man
It is getting harder and harder to decide as the match-ups are between saints I’ve been voting for from the beginning and I’m sad about Peter’s loss yesterday. I find much to admire about Richard Hooker and I found today’s blog about him funny. But I still can’t get over Phocas’ treatment of the soldiers who killed him. What grace he exhibited!! And I’d love to have that excavator but I’m much too large to fit it. 🙂
Once again, I vote for Richard Hooker.
Today’s the first full day of spring, despite the fact it’s snowing here an the fourth nor’easter of the season is headed for the Northeastern states. So it’s gardening time. We voted for Phocas the Gardener. It’s time to focus on the best now that we’re selecting the Faithful Four.
Travelling that Via Media today. Go team Hooker.
Hooker did do wonders for our Anglicanism, but I’m still with Phocas as an image of sainthood: fed and housed his executioners, while digging his own grave in the garden that he loved.
Well #theologiangoals tells me I have to vote for Hooker. And so I did.The actual definition of Hooker came from a civil war general. You can look that up.Marcus did a great job !
I just want to know how Phocas (“focus”) didn’t end up as the patron saint of ADHD sufferers. Come on; it’s right there…
Hahaha! Yes!
Hooker did do wonders for our Anglicanism, but I’m still with Phocas as an example of sainthood: he fed and housed his executioners, as he dug his own grave in the garden that he loved.
Y’all make me laugh, comments and bloggers alike. Thanks–
Hard choice today, but in the end I voted for Phocas, the saint I discovered through Lent Madness. People who feed people who need food will get my vote every time.
I greatly appreciate the admonition of Hooker but we also need “radical hospitality”. Perhaps if we practiced radical hospitality we would not have to worry so much about the “greatest danger” Hooker warns of (in effect, sanctioned tribalism). So I am going with Phocas the Gardner, not only for his hospitality but also because every time I read his name I think of Fergus the Ostler, and that just makes my day!
Any saint with a toy backhoe gets my vote. Besides, I’ve always wanted to be part of a Phocas group.
lol
Haha!
Excellent!
Like. Laughing.
The “Pride and Prejudice” opening by Mr. Sibley is celebrity bloggery at its finest. Then he adds gnomes! But along comes Mr. Halley with a deft navigation around the obvious (with a name like Hooker, it has to be deft). Bravo to both for making it hard to stop laughing and vote already.
I agree, Peg S. This round is always fun, but this pairing kitch is inspiring!
I’m going with Richard Hooker for the critique against extremism performed in God’s name. In the midst of the fun kitsch that brought me back to the madness.
I voted for Phocas. In a world where hunger is so prevalent, we need his guidance to cultivate gardens all over the world to feed the starving masses.
David did a wonderful job researching Phocas kitsch (who doesn’t love Etsy?), Marcus gave us a ‘mash-up’ and Oliver had me momentarily scratching my head. . . All ‘gardeners of the Word’ UNITE! Focus on Phocas for the Golden Halo! Don’t fall Hooker line and sinker for someone sitting down on the job (based on the sculpture presented in the photo-supported kitsch category offered up for our perusal!)
i votes for phocas bc hes better!
Woot! Yes! Did he ever criticize? Not in the written or oral record! He just lived an exemplary life!
Richard Hooker… what he said about doing whatever you want and saying it’s God’s will when it really isn’t.
We need that today
I really like the statue: the pose, the expression, the jaunty curve of the Canterbury cap combine to portray a man I wish I could have known and am happy to vote for.
(A search of Etsy (a new playground for me) yielded lots of M*A*S*H material but only one Hooker-related item, Izaak Walton’s Lives of John Donne, Henry Wotton, Richard Hooker, George Herbert, and Robert Sanderson, Oxford World’s Classics 1966 Vintage Book, available from ProfessorBooknoodle for just €14.75 plus shipping from wherever. If I can find it in dollars when I get home, I will be tempted unless another Madness Maven has snapped it up in the meantime. I thought Izaak Walton just wrote about fishing . . . .)
While I appreciate the nod to Jane Austen (“It is a truth universally acknowledged…”) in Phocas’ write-up today, and he certainly lived an exemplary life of love and generosity, his ministry impacted only the people of his time and place. Richard Hooker, on the other hand, is foundational to Anglicanism, and, as such, has influenced people everywhere for centuries, even as he continues to influence us today. So, for his far reaching and profound impact, I vote for Richard Hooker.
(Besides, M*A*S*H is one of my all time favorite TV series.)
Although Richard Hooker shaped Anglicanism, Phocas’ ministry js universal. Now more than ever we need to be examples of radical welcome—to the stranger, to the refugee, even to the people who are employed by the empire to kill you, troubling as that is. Phocas gets my vote! (Also, I love how micro-manage-y he was in digging his own grave. My mother recently died of brain cancer at 64 and she left so many instructions and pre-paid for the funeral home. It made what is still a hard time much easier.)
Phocas! Be kind in your welcome and in your planning!
“Radical welcome.” What a wonderful phrase. I’m going to remember that. Thank you.
. . .and in your welcome and your planning. Wonderful!
David Sibley, it was pure genius to open your kitsch account of Phocas with a quotation from “Pride and Prejudice.” Genius as well were the gnomes. It all might have worked, too, had I not been utterly committed to THE Hooker of History. I was a little dismayed to see a meme in Hooker’s kitsch; I see way too many of them on Twitter. “She” (is he a drag meme?) is still wagging a finger and will never stop wagging a finger even when this page is archived. That puts Richard Hooker uncomfortably close to being a perpetually preserved Jeremy Bentham. While David Sibley gets maximum points for the cuteness of his Phocas kitsch, making Phocas very tempting, I can’t not vote for Richard Hooker, the great theologian of anglicanism. I hope he steers a mid way between the Scylla of Martin and the Charybdis of Eg Jebb to the golden halo.
She is a GIF, and I thought she was a hoot! I just avoid Twitter altogether, and am fast on my way to pulling the plug on Facebook (although that horse long ago left the barn, to mix my metaphors into a soupy mess!).
If you pull the plug on your horse, you will never be able to purée that soup so that you can share it with the barn owl (or is it a Strix VirGIFa?).
Whooooo knows for sure?
Let’s Go Richard Hooker! Please vote for him!
Loved MASH and The Wonder Years but can’t resist those garden gnomes. Phocas the Gardener rocks!
I recently started writing icons, and Phocas is on my list as my newest favorite saint to paint, and his kitsch was outstanding. However, the quote from Hooker, as well as taking me back to M*A*S*H (and yes, I am old enough and lucky enough to have shared the show with my mom and dad both originally AND in reruns). After Dad retired, we would have a M*A*S*H break every afternoon before supper. Ah, joy. And now, when I watch on MeTV, I think of Dad. Needless to say, Hooker gets my vote today.
My dear sister passed away last week, and one of her favorite things was garden gnomes. So, I had to vote for Phocas the Gardener. Love you forever, Pat.
So sorry for your loss, Lorraine.
Very sorry for your loss. May Pat be met in heaven by a squat, smiling, far too kitschy and cute flying gnome.
Let me add my sincere condolences, Lorraine. I recently suffered the loss of dear friend and former priest. May they greet each other in Heaven.
Dear Bloggers,
You have outdone yourselves in Saintly humor today! Thank you for giving me belly laughs on a gloomy day..heavy snow last night..stuck indoors for a time.
You are indeed Fools for Christ! Thank You!
I love gardening, but today it’s about seeking God’s will rather than justifying mistaken (and selfish) suppositions. Yay for Hooker!!
As I noted before during Phocas’ contest with Katharina von Bora, I’m voting for the real flesh-and-blood saint, in this case Richard Hooker. As appealing as Phocas is, his story may be a fusion of as many as three different men named Phocas, and I don’t know which of those I’d be voting for. That, and Hooker’s regard for Christian unity is something I admire and try to imitate in my own life.
you’d be voting for the one single fused image
Makes sense. And I guess that’s why I can’t bring myself to vote for Phocas, because he’s an image rather than an individual.
Richard has received much acclaim after having gone the way of all the earth, while Phocas, who laid down his life rather than deny his Lord, is lesser known and lesser rewarded by those of us who came after. Vote Phocas.
Phocas has the best kitsch and hookers are really getting a bum deal…..Oh! Not those hookers…’scuse please !
As a Methodist, I voted for Hooker because he helped shape Anglicanism and the Wesley brothers were Anglican. As a deacon, I should have voted for Phocas.
These are just getting increasingly more difficult.
After all I had to read of Hooker, I had to vote for him even though I love the concept of Phocas. These decisions are tough.
“Queen Elizabeth fell in love with me; we were married in Milwaukee secretly; but I got tired and shook her, and ran off with Richard Hooker —” oh dang it! It was General Hooker, not Richard Hooker! Still, a fine earworm if you’re snowed in for the 4th time in a month. (Woody Guthrie’s The Great Historical Bum — the Chad Mitchell Trio version is exuberant!)
Anyone who so inspired Hornberger that he assumed his interesting name is an inspirational person indeed! I cast my vote for Hornberger’s friend, Richard Hooker.
https://youtu.be/7QZTNbyA4zk
Sorry — that’s the link for The Bragging Song above. Wasn’t even sure I could post a link here.
How many of you can say that Dr. Hornberger (of Hooker fame) operated on there toddler son? He (the son) is alive and will turn 50 in May. I, however, voted for Phocas – such a kind man
their – oops!
Well. I’m not much of a gardener, though the squad of garden gnomes made me smile, and I am a lover of books and theology so it’s Richard Hooker for me today.
It is, of course, getting harder and harder to choose between saints. I loved the Jane Austen reference and the kitsch for Phocas. I loved the reference to M*A*S*H– I watched the movie with my husband at a movie theater on an Air Force base back in the early 1970’s (think about THAT for a moment!) and the TV shows with him and our sons.
In the end, I just had to go with the one who gave the Anglican Church the idea–and ideal–of breadth, balance, and being comfortable with paradox. (But if the gardener wins, I won’t fuss.)
I love your comment, Verdery.
These have to be two of the best posts in, well, ever. To get Jane Austen and M*A*S*H on the same day is a pure blessing. Thank you to these stalwart bloggers!
I was prepared to cast my vote for Phocas, as an avid gardener myself. It’s snowing(again) and yet my bleeding heart bush is blooming, very inspiring. But then I read more about Richard Hooker. Soon enough, my feet will be planted in the dirt and my hands in the mud. Today, I’m going to concentrate on channeling Richard Hooker.
This has been a year difficult decisions. Phocas is such a gentle soul, but I had to go with Richard Hooker. As an owner of a copy of “Of the Laws of Ecclesiastical Polity”, I can tell you that like Moby Dick, it can be a struggle to get through at times, but is well worth the effort! Go Richard!
I SO liked the Hooker quote about religious extremism I had to vote for him (plus MASH was one of my all-time favorite shows!)
What fabulous write ups today. A very difficult choice, but in the end I went for Richard portrayed reading, but not alas, seated on a three-legged stool. … I was also swayed by his very impressive beard 🙂
Congratulations to the Elate 8 Celebrity Bloggers who’ve done excellent work on presenting amusing and new facets of their saints.
The ministry of hospitality is so crucial to our Church and to the world today. Had to vote for Phocas.
I had to go with “coalition-building Christianity”.
Hooker!
Don’t forget the movie M*A*S*H which preceeded the TV show
OK, Maryw47, you saved me from having to make this comment. I had no idea M*A*S*H was ever a book, but the movie did come before the TV show.
My annual list of nominees to the SEC has included Richard Hooker for several years, and since he’s in a tight race now, I feel compelled to advocate for him here. I think it was lovely the way M.Halley developed the narrative today – giving us a smile with the inevitable “hooker” references, including the famous statue pic and adding the surprising M.A.S.H. connection. But the inclusion of contemporary theologians using Hooker’s words to denounce extremist acts performed in God’s name will hopefully secure enough votes for today’s match-up to go his way. Simply put, Hooker’s worthy.
Thanks so much for this, Tammie – so eloquent! “Like!”
I’ve got to admit, Richard’s three-legged stool and leadership in the early Anglican church should have made him a sure thing for my vote as a proud Episcopalian. But ever since I learned about Phocas I’ve been a fan of his profound faith. I’d like to see one of the “little” guys win the golden halo. I cast my vote for the gardener!
You have your own golden halo. Been meaning to compliment you on your new avi. That dude looks very holy to be sure.
Phocas > Richard Hooker
As a High Kitsch Episcopalian, I had to vote for Richard Hooker. May all who participate in Lent Madness keep their eyes Phocased on the prize. In the spirit of conciliation among all branches of Christendom, let us press forward!
“Phocased” excellent!!!
Hooker had me with “God only knows…”
I voted for Phocus, who made a lasting impression on me in the first round. Also, (grrr….) I’m a bit irritated that the M*A*S*H connection was introduced as kitschy evidence even though the actual connection or substantive link to our Saint Hooker was not established. I’m really P.O’d by the recent manipulation and foul play by Facebook and others who deal fast and loose with data so this just stepped on my last nerve…. (But! I will dig deeper into this fascinating link between the author of the original book and his message and what, if any link to Richard Hooker may be found.)
Again, Phocus and he’s inspired me to turn my front yard garden bed into a gift to my neighborhood in Juneau, Alaska. All I need is a little Phocus swag to decorate!
One of the most visible ministries of my parish is our community garden, which primarily serves refugee families. Through it, we were able to send a refugee child to camp. My vote honors Bonnie the Gardener, still very much alive and not at all persecuted.
LET’S FOCUS ON PHOCAS!
Just a note on the use of an African-American meme in this post: https://www.teenvogue.com/story/digital-blackface-reaction-gifs
Thanks, Kake Huck. Some of the article was baffling (technically and pop culturally), and now I have the disappointing feeling that I have inadvertently done something racist again. But I’m going to go back and read it and let it percolate some more. Thanks. 🙂
And of course this is analyzed by Teen Vogue, always on the cutting edge when it comes to social and political analysis. I’m so glad you showed us this article. The memes of black faces for reactions are ubiquitous (except for “Sure, Jan,” which surely has to be the most common). I would also mention Sianne Ngai’s book “Ugly Feelings,” which analyzes such “emotions” as “stuplimity” from an African-American perspective.
Thank you Reverend and Valiant Master of Saint Paul’s Church on Lake of the Isles, for making me laugh. I didn’t think there was any way kitsch and Richard Hooker could dance–especially after the Sinop T-shirt, gnomes and wonder toy. I decided when I first saw the brackets that Richard Hooker would win the Golden Halo, even though I’d never heard of 18 of the saints. We need Hooker’s words to denounce extremist acts performed in God’s name…to battle the outspoken right wing Christians of today. I also can’t wait for the perfect moment to quote you–“Richard Hooker is the only person who looks good in a Canterbury Cap”. [Pray for Lorelei, the two year old, with the rare Mitochondria Disease. She’s projectile vomiting and slept 19 hours yesterday. She also recently had an accident with her trial motorized wheel chair that is steered with a joy stick, and ripped off the fingernail on her little finger. Follow her on FB at Friday’s with Lorelei.]
Speak, sister.
Are you serious? Esther beats Peter!! Oh, that was yesterday. I voted for Richard Hooker, just because.
I voted for Richard Hooker because he said “y’all”…oh, wait, that was Marcus.
My heart said Phocas, but when I read the most timely and apt quotation from Hooker, I knew it had to be he.
What Episcopalian could not vote for Richard Hooker?
And his words are more relevant today than ever.
This Episcopalian and a good many others, thank you very much.
As much as I love the story of Phocas the Gardener, I am a true Episcopalian and have to vote for Hooker. Also, in the long run, Hooker has had the bigger impact on more lives. But it is a hard choice because I truly do love Phocas.
I have long wondered if I was the only one to make the Richard Hooker Lawes–Richard Hooker M*A*S*H* connection.
Sorry. I am a true Episcopalian too, but it was the M.A.S.H. reference that really swayed me to Hooker.
So relevant for our time is Hooker’s admonitions. “What this will lead to, God only knows.” And we in the USA now know.
I voted for Richard despite the fact I am an avid gardener and try my best to practice hospitality. I think Hooker’s three legged stool and his warning about ascribing to God reasons for what we humans decide to do, are ideas that are very much needed these days.
Phocas, for his ministry to the masses!
What happened to Eglantyne? What have I missed? Too distraught.
According to the brackets pageshe will be back to take on Anna Alexander with that winner advancing to the Faithful Four.
Okay, sisters all.
Let’s get together behind Queen Esther and go for gold!!!
Sorry can’t . . . this sister and true Episcopalian will be voting for Maria Stobtsova!
This is the hardest choice for me so far. I love Phocas! I’m so glad that Lent Madness introduced me to him. Unlike many other ancient saints, his story sounds all too possible–no legends needed. But I have to vote for Richard Hooker’s sweet reason. Hooker for the Halo!
Richy Hooker 4 da win! Vote 4 Richard!
First match up where I had to trust my heart and just poke my tablet. My vote went to Phocas, but if it is a choice in the final four between Richard Hooker and Esther, Hooker has my vote
As an Anglican I was obliged to vote for Ricky anyway, but as a lifelong lover or MASH it was easy to decide. Long live the Hookers!
I think that it is a good thing that he won because he influenced so many of our beliefs growing up in the Episcopal church.
This was a tough decision for me. Although I respect and value Scripture, reason, and tradition in the Church, I had to bypass Richard Hooker in favor of Phocas the Gardener. His radical hospitality toward the Roman soldiers sent to kill him really touched something deep within me. After feeding them, inviting them to sleep in his house, Phocas then went out that night to dig his own grave and prepare his soul for death. In the morning, he confessed his identity to the soldiers, and they were reluctant to kill him. At his own prompting for them to do what they were sent to do, he was martyred for the Lord he served. This is Radical Love and Radical Humility! Phocas gets my vote!!
Reading “The Christian Moral Life: Practices of Piety” by Timothy F. Sedgwick tonight for EfM and chapter two, which is titled An Anglican Perspective steps through Richard Hooker’s scripture, tradition, and reason! Only fitting to say, Go Richard!
The gnomes are just too cute! I voted for Phocas.
Anyone who can spark the desire to have your own small excavator and it would come in under $500 deserves my vote. If that sounds like a ridiculous reason for voting for a certain saint, then trust me I would not be the only one coming up in some ridiculous reasons at times.
Phocas, for sure. Food and shelter for the poor outweigh theology any day.
What an EXCELLENT statement!
While Hooker provides the three legs of the stool, Phocas provides the grounding that comes with loving action.
Phocas for the win.
Both write-ups made me laugh. Thank you. Although M*A*S*H* was one of my favorite shows, I went with Phocas for the garden gnomes and I liked the icon mixed media collage.