For the second straight day we get a man named Thomas opposed by a saint with a fantastic name. In 24 hours we've gone from Merton to the Apostle; from Philander to Enmegahbowh. But, of course, in Lent Madness saints don't emerge victorious by fanciful names alone. Otherwise Engelbert Humperdinck would be canonized and win the Golden Halo.
Bracket Buster Alert! In one of the most hotly-contested battles to date, Philander Chase stormed past Thomas Merton late yesterday afternoon and never looked back. Despite a late surge by Merton, Chase held on to win 52% to 48% in record voting (2,711 votes cast) and commenting (142 comments). Spurred on by an army of Kenyon College alumni, this may go down as one of the greatest upsets in Lent Madness history.
Check in with the updated bracket and view the calendar of upcoming battles as we mark one full week of Lent Madness action.
Thomas, aka “Doubting” Thomas, aka “Didymus,” aka “The Twin,” is best known for wanting something more than his fellow-apostles’ word that Jesus had appeared to them in the flesh after he had been crucified. It could also be noted that Thomas was the only apostle to leave the house after Jesus’ crucifixion when everyone else was waiting inside with the doors locked out of fear. When Jesus returned to the house a second time, Thomas, despite his stated demands for hands-on proof, did not hesitate to call the resurrected Jesus “My Lord and my God!”
Thomas does not appear often in the gospels, but his few recorded words speak of someone willing to follow Jesus wherever he may go no matter the cost. When Jesus decided to visit Mary and Martha after the death of Lazarus, despite the danger to himself, it is Thomas who says, “Let us also go, that we may die with him.” When Jesus tells the disciples during the Last Supper that he “will come again and will take you to myself, so that where I am, there you may be also. And you know the way to the place where I am going,” it is Thomas who says, “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?”
After the resurrection, Thomas’ willingness to follow Jesus evidently did not flag. Legend has it that he went to India where, after converting many people (and baptizing the three kings of the Nativity story), he was martyred by an angry king who had him run through with a sword. The church in India claims Thomas as its founder and patron saint to this day.
Collect for Thomas: Almighty and everliving God, who strengthened your apostle Thomas with sure and certain faith in your Son's resurrection: Grant us so perfectly and without doubt to believe in Jesus Christ, our Lord and our God, that our faith may never be found wanting in your sight; through him who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
-- Laura Toepfer
Called the “Providential Man” by church historian Theodore Holcombe, Enmegahbowh, or John Johnson as he was known at his baptism, was the first Native American to be ordained a deacon and priest. Born about a day’s journey north of Toronto in c. 1820 Enmegahbowh, the son of a chief, was set apart as a healer from childhood. Indeed, his name means “the man who stands by his people.”
He learned to speak English when he journeyed to Minnesota as a translator for Methodist missionaries. However, like many of us, he was wooed to the Episcopal Church by the language after a chaplain at Fort Snelling presented him with a copy of the Book of Common Prayer. He began a correspondence with the missionary priest Dr. James Lloyd Breck and invited him to establish a mission in Gull Lake. Upon his arrival Enmegahbowh was baptized and, in 1859, he was ordained as a deacon. In these years he maintained a peaceful and courageous presence at the St. Columba’s Mission in the midst of great turmoil and violence among the white settlers and local Chippewa people.
In 1867 Bishop Henry Whipple ordained him to the priesthood and a year later he and his remarkable wife Biwabiko-geshig-equay (stay tuned for more on her in the next round if Enmegahbowh advances) moved - at the invitation of more than 100 chiefs and principal men of the tribe - to serve the people of the White Earth reservation. He died there after nearly 40 years of quiet ministry on June 12, 1902.
A tower of strength, constancy, and patience, “Enmegahbowh was a herald of all our Indian work;” wrote Holcombe in his 1902 biography of Breck. [He was] “the man who cried from the wilderness, ‘Come over and help us’, the man who opened the door for all that has since followed of God’s work for the Indians, even to the Pacific Coast.”
A Collect for Enmegahbowh: Almighty God, you led your pilgrim people of old with fire and cloud: Grant that the ministers of your Church, following the example of blessed Enmegahbowh, may stand before your holy people, leading them with fiery zeal and gentle humility. This we ask through Jesus, the Christ, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God now and for ever. Amen.
-- Heidi Shott
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118 comments on “Thomas vs. Enmegahbowh”
Thomas is a long-time favorite of mine, but Enmegahbowh--wow!
Well, well, well. I just need to say I think Thomas gets a bum rap as "coubter." For me, he is more faithful than all the other disciples. His "let me touch you" is, I think, less about doubt and more about transformation. He knows he will be changed. Touching Jesus, for real like Thomas, or through the Eucharist, like us, is a perilous act. We will be transformed. Changed. In uncontrollable ways. Not a doubter; but a fearless man willing to be made into a new creature.
All that aside, my vote still goes to Enmegahbowh for his courageous witness.
woops. doubter.
Yes, yes! You had me in suspense there...I am so glad you are on team Enmegahbowh, but you would make an excellent PR rep for Thomas! 🙂
Oh Puleeze!! You are going to dis one of the Apostles? Jesus himself selected him fer cryin out loud! Underdog-voting is a hoot, but seriously . . .
I was ordained on the feast of Enmegahbowh. Prayed then as I do now to spread the Word with "...fiery zeal and gentle humility." So he absolutely has my vote ... and not "underdog-voting" here.
With the description of "A tower of strength, constancy, and patience" per Holcombe, Enmegahbowh has characteristics that speak to me. Plus, if you are looking for a "Cinderella" saint or basketball team these same characteristics will serve well.
After yesterday, we in the Thomas tribe are in danger of running out of favorite sons. Go Thomas!
For those who want to know more about Enmegahbowh's life and ministry, there's quite a bit of informtion the June 2002 issue of the Diocese of Minnesota newspaper, Soundings, that commemorated the 100th anniversary of his death --http://archive.episcopalchurch.org/documents/NAM_Enmegahbowh.pdf .
The most entertaining story is his Job-on-the-ship-in-a-storm-on-the-way-to-Ninevah experience after he was discouraged after being abandoned by the Methodists but before he became an Episcopalian.
He became an Episcopalian three months after his Job experience.
JOB on his way to Nineveh? Don't remember that one. Although I recall that my science teacher at high school did.
Well, one of those J guys! (Mind in neutral and haste makes waste!)
I was born and raised in Minnesota. My mother has a great love for Mrs. Whipple, Bishop Whipple's wife, and still keeps a small statuette of her. I suspect Enmegahbowh's wife and Mrs. Whipple may have been friends.
Go Enmegahbowh!
None of the Apostles believed Mary when she first came rushing in to say that she had seen the Risen Lord! Why are they not considered doubters?? Thomas for me is the one determined to know the truth.
Good point!
My vote is for Thomas - one of my favourite apostles, who brings doubt into the complex picture of faith, who questions and who follows whole-heartedly. Glad to learn a little about Enmegahbowh. There are some amazing saints out there!
Thomas was one of the original disciples called by Jesus. He followed Jesus during Jesus' ministry and continued on after the crucifixion, travelling far and wide, only to be martyred for his beliefs.
Enmegahbowh undoubtedly did good works but in the big picture they fall short of those of Thomas. I agree that under-dog voting or creating cinderella teams is both fun and fine but let us give the martyred saint his due. Thomas all the way!
This isn't a hats choice for me. Thomas is an Apostle, so that is a winner. Enmeagabow is a really good person too though. I already put Thomas on my bracket.
This isn't a hard choice for me. Thomas is an Apostle, so that is a winner. Enmeagabow is a really good person too though. I already put Thomas on my bracket. Maybe next year I'll go for Enmeagabow.
I still can't believe that Merton is already out of the running. Where are the members of the International Thomas Merton Society when you need them? So I guess I am mostly voting for the underdogs.
ARGH, how do I choose?? Well its Enmegahbowh for me. No Thomas.... hmmm. :~)
EGADS! Where are all the Thomas supporters? We're down by 19! I thought this was a shoe in for Team Thomas, but am beginning to have my doubts~!
You better get all of your friends and family (assuming they will vote for Thomas) out to vote!
The icon for St. Thomas of India is great; but Enmegahbowh looks so wonderfully Anglican is his proper surplice that I just had to vote for him.
The website I mentioned before - http://archive.episcopalchurch.org/documents/NAM_Enmegahbowh.pdf - also has a great icon of Enmegahbowh. It's in black and white. I would love to see it in color!
(daddy is typing for Hope): because he has the Golden Halo and he said "My Lord, My God." He finally believed even while others doubted.
Hmm, tough choice, but I have always had a soft spot for St Thomas.
Cannot believe this contest is so close. Lent Madness is crazy. At this rate it will be anybody's guess for the Golden Halo. Expecting someone to write in Ron Paul one of these brackets.
If you haven't already voted, may I suggest Thomas? Clearly anyone of the 32 on the bracket is going to be honorable, inspirational and worthy...but VOTE THOMAS.
It seems the voting population has a clear Midwest, anglican bias.
I really thought Merton would win yesterday. I did pick Enmegahbawh.
Next year I have to figure out how to start a pool in my church.
There was never a doubt who I was voting for, for various reasons I have often called my son,Tommy "Doubting Thomas" . So when I saw Thomas was a contender Enmegahbowh never has a chance to get my vote. Then I read his bio and had to think about it for the day. I have thought and I am going with my first thought. Doubting Thomas I will not doubt you again. My son has your name. I must support my son.
Apostle Thomas, the twin,
Showed doubt, but that's not a sin.
When he saw, he was awed,
Cried, “My Lord and my God!”
And followed with faith 'til his end.
Enmegahbowh, son of a chief,
Was ordained an Episcopal priest,
Courageous through strife,
With his wonderful wife,
Shares now in the Heavenly Feast.
While I'm very happy to have learned about Enmegahbowh, I'm finally decided to vote with Thomas. Hard to beat one of the Twelve!
C'mon Thomas. #votethomas
Quick suggestion.
Put YOUR time stamp on your comment. It appears Lent Madness is going global and what appears to be very late comments are just comments posted west of New York Standard Time.
Posted 11:52 CST (USA)
100 votes just disappeared! What is this foul magic?
Hi Christopher,
Someone in Kansas (Overland Park, I think) voted over 100 times for Thomas. The first batch was 70+ votes, all within a couple of minutes. Then there was another batch of votes. After blocking that person, I removed 100 votes so that the results would more accurately reflect genuine votes.
Sadly, there are people who resort to cheating in Lent Madness. The Supreme Executive Committee wants a clean competition. If people want to urge their neighbors or total strangers to vote en masses, that's great. However, voting dozens or hundreds of times is not fair, and it's not nice.
So that's why you saw 100 votes go away. Enmegahbowh is ahead, fair and square.
I was thinking we'd put up a blog post about this tomorrow, but I don't want anyone to think there's anything untoward happening at Lent Madness HQ. We're just trying to keep things fair.
Hope that helps.
I think the disappearance of votes is an Episcopalian ploy to see their man win. We should have tried that for our dear Bishop Patterson
It has to be Thomas. His disbelief evaporated in the true presence of the risen Jesus. Thomas became a sort of light bulb for subsequent generations who were not present in that room, including Enmegahbowh. 11:30pm pst
Overland Park, huh? Maybe some left-behind, disgruntled NCAA employee didn't like Tim's pilfering the whole bracket idea....