Monday morning doldrums? Impossible! At least when you log on for another full week of Lent Madness. Today's matchup is the final battle of the Saintly Sixteen meaning that either Egeria or Thomas Ken will round out the lineup of the eight remaining saints. Over the next 24 hours, you'll decide whether the Spanish nun or English bishop will advance to face Frederick Douglass.
You likely know by now, if you follow Lent Madness on Facebook or Twitter or compulsively check in for Bracket updates, that Friday's nip and tuck battle ended with a 52% to 48% victory by Bernard Mizeki over Jackson Kemper. He'll face Molly Brant in the next round.
So, read, vote, pray, lobby others, and then steel yourself for tomorrow's start of the Elate Eight, aka the saintly kitsch round, as Francis of Assisi takes on Thecla.
Egeria
Egeria was a Spanish nun who traveled throughout the Holy Land and the Near East from 381-384 CE, recording what she saw and experienced. Her letters home provide the earliest record of Christian liturgy during Holy Week that we have.
It is, however, not only liturgy enthusiasts who are Egeria fans. Medieval scholars also appreciate her, because her writing is the oldest example of non-church Latin in existence, and provides us with exciting glimpses of how the language developed. Are you a fan of the word “the?” So was Egeria! She was one of the first writers to use it.
Reading through Egeria’s recounting of the daily offices in Jerusalem, and the observance of the liturgical year, it is striking how close the liturgical form has stayed to her description. For example, here’s her description of Lent:
And when the Paschal days come they are observed thus: Just as with us forty days are kept before Easter, so here eight weeks are kept before Easter. And eight weeks are kept because there is no fasting on the Lord's Days, nor on the Sabbaths, except on the one Sabbath on which the Vigil of Easter falls, in which case the fast is obligatory. With the exception then of that one day, there is never fasting on any Sabbath here throughout the year. Thus, deducting the eight Lord's Days and the seven Sabbaths (for on the one Sabbath, as I said above, the fast is obligatory) from the eight weeks, there remain forty-one fast days, which they call here Eortae, that is Quadragesimae.
Egeria was a cool, calm, and collected observer of liturgy. (Take note, modern clergy). While she couldn’t refrain from getting mildly excited about some of the liturgical forms she witnessed (involvement of the laity sent her over the moon!), she never condemned or judged what she witnessed. That’s no small feat, because then, as now, occasionally liturgy can take some surreal turns, as we learn when Egeria describes the Veneration of the Cross on Good Friday:
Now, when it has been put upon the table, the bishop, as he sits, holds the extremities of the sacred wood firmly in his hands, while the deacons who stand around guard it. It is guarded thus because the custom is that the people, both faithful and catechumens, come one by one and, bowing down at the table, kiss the sacred wood and pass through. And because, I know not when, someone is said to have bitten off and stolen a portion of the sacred wood, it is thus guarded by the deacons who stand around, lest anyone approaching should venture to do so again.
Yet, Egeria kept her head, and provided the world with a lasting legacy of faith and witness down through the ages.
Thomas Ken
Thomas Ken was a celebrated preacher, writer, and teacher. His works have endured through the years, though perhaps his most noted piece of writing is the doxology sung at so many parishes as gifts are being brought forward, “Praise God, from Whom all blessings flow; Praise Him, all creatures here below; Praise Him above, ye heavenly host; Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.” This line, in so many ways, summarizes Ken’s focus in life and ministry.
He was focused on the source of true gifts and unswayed by blandishments, bribes, or intimidation. His abiding faith in the Triune God as the grounding of his life gave him a prophetic courage to speak truth no matter the cost to his career. Lord McCauley (an ecclesiastical opponent) said of Ken, “His character approaches, as near as human infirmity permits, to the ideal of perfection of Christian virtue.”
Canon Arthur Middleton writes of Ken, “Like John the Baptist he had that steel of independence that could boldly rebuke vice and error without fear of the consequences and it could break out sharply in what he wrote.” In the face of pressure from the king to lodge the king’s mistress, Ken famously refused saying that it was “not suitable that the Royal Chaplain should double as the Royal Pimp.”
Yet this firmness was paired with good humor and deep kindness.
Ken, as bishop, was out in his diocese offering pastoral care and preaching with great zeal and effectiveness. He was a renowned preacher – nobility were known to be left begging for seats to hear him preach. Yet, despite all that fame, when he was home he would dine with twelve poor people (a number, I think, not picked by chance) every Sunday evening. After dinner he would offer spiritual counsel and guidance to them.
He was a prolific writer with many of his works focused on the devotional life. Of particular interest at this time of year might be his work, A Pastoral Letter to his Clergy concerning their behaviour during Lent. His works were often written for a wide audience with simple devotions and intercessions penned for ordinary believers to make part of their prayer life.
Ken’s generosity and charity are brought into focus after the Battle of Sedgmoor which ended the Monmouth Rebellion. Ken was hardly sympathetic to the cause of the rebels who had desecrated and ransacked his cathedral. However, he demanded that after the battle, wounded rebel soldiers were to be treated, cared for, and that no further indignity nor abuse should befall them at the hands of the victors.
Ken died in 1711 after years of disgrace, having been deprived of his episcopacy, cathedral, and post in the Church of England – all of which were taken from him because of the strength of his conviction. His last words were,
I die in the Holy Catholic and Apostolic faith professed by the whole church before the disunion of East and West; more particularly I die in the communion of the Church of England, as it stands distinguished from all papal and puritanical innovations, and as it adheres to the doctrine of the Cross.
Vote!
[poll id="134"]
158 comments on “Egeria vs. Thomas Ken”
Just 2 days past Ken's saint's day — humm ...
Bishop Ken
hymn-writer
stalwart soul
stood up to Henry
cared for the wounded
friend or foe
remained faithful
even when rejected
by the church he loved
generous
lover of his neighbors
follower
in the steps of Jesus
he gets my vote
Amen!
As I recall--looking at the bracket for past contests to supplement my failing memory--I voted for Hildegard over Egeria and Ken over Barbara (there were some Ken & Barbie jokes back then, weren't there?), so I'll just reconfirm the earlier choice and go with Ken. (Among the Seven Deadlies, Sloth is probably my worst.)
I love liturgy, particularly the Easter Vigil. I admire a woman who traveled and observed so much. But I also had to read chunks of her Latin. Thomas Ken, for a good life and a great hymn known, sung, loved in many times, many places, many people.
It was the being over the moon about lay involvement in liturgy that won over my vote...that and my room is messy. Ken is no doubt a kind and ethical gentleman, but he was presented here as a bit of a goody two shoes and no doubt he would admonish me on the state of my room!
I've been fond of Thomas Ken ever since I learned that he challenged the king on the lodging of "Nellie," & his care for the poor as well as royalty is laudable, but I have to celebrate Egeria once more because the gift she gave to generations of those who develop liturgy--"just the facts, ma'am, just the facts"--is a wonderful gift of journalism. Also, how remarkable that this woman was literate & so observant & curious & celebratory of the laity! I have to vote for Egeria once again.
I too Egeria because what faith needs is more accurate historians - and her journeys blessed Christianity with elements of unification and not the edges that slice us apart.
I'm going with Thomas, in part because of his "highways and byways" Sunday dinners, and those fantastic sleeves!
I must agree with John Sorenson. As we approach Holy Week it's essential to honor Egeria and the impact she has had on our worship--on the actions that involve us and are so deeply moving. She also traveled from what is now Portugal to Jerusalem. That is no minor effort!
I just finished my favorite morning devotion with a reading of "The Song of Creation" by Paul Gobel. It is a children's book that seems to me to be an invitation to sing the Doxology as Gobel goes to plants, birds, fish, animals, the celestial bodies, and people telling them, "Oh you dandelions, bless you the Lord: praise him, and magnify him forever. Oh you sun, bless you the Lord: praise him, and magnify him forever. Oh all my family, bless you the Lord: praise him, and magnify him forever." In my morning devotions that is followed by the Doxolgy. My vote goes to Ken this morning.
Today I am back on the losing side, where I belong it seems. I had fun imagining how the nun did all that traveling. How big her entourage, how pleasant. I feel sorry for the bishop. He certainly does look fine in the portrait before he got the boot. Heading tonight from LAX for a week in lowcountry South Carolina where I grew up. So wish I didn't have to miss the fun of the next round. As a first-time Lent Madness (player?) participant, it is hard to guess who might win your hearts.
There will be no biting off pieces of the cross during the Veneration of the Cross while I am on guard duty.
Voted for Egeria, and hope that Ken comes back in a future Lent Madness. He deserves another shot at the Golden Halo.
This was tough. I am keenly interested in Egregia for her contribution to church history--and our only example of the language of the day! But if we are talking about Saints, I think I have to go with Ken. I love the quote about being in the "communion" of the Church "free of papal and puritanical innovation" which was the root of so much misery. His life truly does sound like that of a real saint.
Sorry, Egeria! I seem to have trouble getting the sound and spelling of that name in my head.
Which definition were you considering when you misspelled her name?
egregious
[ih-gree-juh s, -jee-uh s]
Word Origin Latin
adjective
1. extraordinary in some bad way; glaring; flagrant:
an egregious mistake; an egregious liar.
Synonyms: gross, outrageous, notorious, shocking.
Antonyms: tolerable, moderate, minor, unnoticeable.
2. Archaic. distinguished or eminent.
Bless your heart. I have also lost loved ones to this horrible disease. Take care.
If I were voting for Ken, it would not be because of the Doxology. However, Egeria wrote about deacons, and I too would not stand by and allow any cross biting. My vote for Egeria.
I can't imagine what questions, serious or not so, about the status of Egeria in an order of woman would have to do with her vast contribution to our history and tradition of observances of the church. This time of the year it seems even mote relevant than at another time in the cycle.
If I had read Oliver's post before I voted, I might have voted differently. I love to provide balance in a worthy fray...so Ken it is. He is behind as I pen this. However, Oliver, my choice is not as well reasoned as yours! Well said!
Kudos to all you Lent Madness voters and posters, as well as the SEC for having over 4,000 Lent Madness fans vote per bracket. I spent several days reacently watching a different Madness bracket on CBS, TBS and something called TruTV with participation by a team from a different SEC. Despite being a true sports enthusiast, I am won over by your Lenten spirit and now eagerly await every Monday and weekday of Lent Madness. Today, I take Ken over Kentucky and Egeria.
I think if we could vote for Oliver he'd win hands down.
No doubt about thar in my mind. Oliver, YOU GO!
only if the SEC wants to Black Ball you????????????
I voted for Egeria, but when I looked her up on Google I could not find where it said that she was a Spanish Nun. but it did list her as the consort to a king in Rome (if I remember correctly Sabine) What swayed my thinking, I believe was her description and writings of the Holy Week.
Two worthy of Sainthood and deserving of the halo because of selfless and principled character, and the determination to sustain those principles despite the self-interest of others. I love the Doxology. I note the humor in the three c's attributed to Egeria as I recall the "Five C's" singing group of Rock 'n Roll halcyon days. Those 5 C's stood for calm, cool, collected, copacetic and crazy (enthusiastic, light-hearted)! I love those qualities all, and would add caring, committed, conscientious, curious and Christian to the Core. Egeria for me as we head for the Golden halo. Now I'll go clean my messy closet. It just might do somebody some good!
And special thanks to Megan, Robert, Oliver, Phil and Martha and the SEC for their Love.
an appeal to the linguists: just where does "the''' appear in non-Church Latin?
I ended up voting for Ken since he is the last one standing of CB Fr Robert's saints and I was looking forward to seeing what he would come up with for saintly kitsch! And I love the doxology. However, I loved learning about EgeriaEgeria and her travels. Who else out there remembers the 1928 BCP with the Latin names for the Sunday's in Lent- quiquagesima, etc? Our EFM class had several sessions in the Cathedral chancel where we celebrated the Eucharist in one of the early liturgies.
This match was really a toss up.
Tough choice. Had to go with Ken, but I like Oliver's thinking!
Ok, there was a question brought up twice in the comments on Friday's post that never got answered!
Why had the now former Bishop Kunonga barred pilgrims from Mizeki's shrine for several years?
I'm sure if Egeria (who had me at cross biting) wasn't otherwise occupied in Heaven, she'd go to Africa and investigate! [And I love Oliver's seven year old reasoning on why he was voting for Egeria!]
From an old report on Zimbabwe from the U.S. Department of State:
"The 2002 Public Order and Security Act (POSA) restricts freedoms of assembly, expression, and association. Although not specifically aimed at religious activities, the government invoked the act to interfere with religious and civil society groups organizing public prayer rallies. While POSA exempted religious activities and events, influential persons in the government viewed any public gathering that is critical of ZANU-PF as political."
Also from the old report:
"Police also restricted religious assembly. In late June a police force barred several hundred CPCA-affiliated pilgrims from entering the Bernard Mizeki Shrine in Marondera. Buses and other vehicles carrying the pilgrims were turned away at roadblocks, and people were forced to hold the commemoration at a nearby show ground."
http://www.state.gov/documents/organization/171646.pdf
Anyone seen the Archbishops this year?
Last spotted on a Carnival Cruise in the West Indies...
I do hope they took Maple Anglican with them on the cruise--sounds like his time and energy were sapped.
I think "over the moon" is usually a good thing!
Egeria, because it was so important to record early church practices so that we can continue to follow them. And because of her use of the. I love the word the.
I also voted for Egeria for connecting us to early Christianity, "the" and messy rooms!
Once again...let it be known... I (shepherdess of long-shots: Queen Emma 2012/Francis Perkins 2013 /Harriet Bedell 2014 to the Golden Halo rounds) have Egeria FTW.
Egeria gets my vote - not only would she allow Oliver to enjoy his messy room, she would write about it impartially for future generations and set the deacons to guard it.
(Next year, can we add a "Like" button for the comments? So many of them are wonderful)
But, you know, if we had a "like" button there would be a lot comment or discussion. We'd just click "like" and move on...
And where's the fun in that? The comments are at least half the fun of LM. And they are educational as well. Sometimes.
Rats--I meant to say a lot LESS discussion!
I knew that.
An important word long before Egeria. Although not used in Classical Lain it was part of both Greek and Hebrew -- she does get points for incirporating it into Latin, but nogt for inventing it. And, BTW, (B)CE dating may be OK in a secular context; but when we're talking of Christian figures in a Christian context then AD (or for OT persons, BC) gets my vote and therefore so does Ken. I know that wasn't Egeria's choice, but in such a close contest even little things make a huge difference.