In the last battle of a full week, John Wesley takes on Edith Cavell. Will the Methodists among us rally the troops for the de facto founder of their denomination? Or will the compelling story of an English martyr carry the day?
In Thursday's action, upstart Maria Skobtsova soundly defeated Thomas à Kempis 74% to 26% to advance to the Saintly Sixteen where she'll face Quiteria. Thursday was also a big day for Lent Madness fans in Hannibal, Missouri, as an article titled Churchgoers Participate in Lent Madness Activity made the front page of the local paper, the Herald-Whig. Kudos to all the Lent Madness fans at Trinity Episcopal Church in Hannibal!
As we prepare to take a deep weekend breath, please do try to survive without voting on Saturday and Sunday. Symptoms of Lent Madness Withdrawal (LMW) are real and we encourage you to reach out to Lent Madness-playing friends and family to see you through this two-day wilderness. LMW support groups are forming in church basements everywhere. And fear not! We'll return bright and early Monday morning as Esther takes on Lazarus. Now go read and vote!
John Wesley
The impact on the religious landscape made by John Wesley is undeniable and far-reaching. John was an Anglican priest and theologian and the founder of the Methodist movement.
Born in 1703 in England, John was the son of a clergyman and the youngest of fifteen children, including his brother Charles, a well-known hymn writer and Anglican priest. At five years old, John survived near-death in a rectory fire—he was saved thanks to parishioners who formed a human ladder to rescue him. This event marked him for life.
He was highly educated and a graduate of Christ College, Oxford. At school, he prayed and studied scripture with his brother, Charles; their friend, George Whitefield, also a priest; and others in a group deemed “Methodists” because of their method of spiritual disciplines.
Ordained in 1728, he and Charles were sent in 1735 to Savannah, in what was then the British colony of Georgia. John did not fare well—there were personal issues and ineffective ministry. After two years, he returned to England in defeat. While onboard, through stormy waters, he befriended Moravians and took to their ways, which he found calming and Spirit-filled. John underwent a religious experience in 1738, in which he said his “heart strangely warmed.” He believed that God charged him with initiating a revival in the church. He parted ways with the Moravians and embarked on his own ministry. Along with Charles and George, John traveled the country, forming Christian groups and worshiping communities. The Methodist movement flourished.
He became a prolific preacher and writer, delivering an estimated 40,000 sermons in his life. John wrote or edited more than 400 publications on issues such as theology, music, prison reform, marriage, medicine, slavery, and politics. Some of his more famous works include Forty-Four Sermons, Notes on the New Testament, Thoughts Upon Slavery, and Collection of Psalms and Hymns, the first Anglican hymnal published in America.
Wesley died on March 2, 1791, at the age of eighty-seven. In 2002, John Wesley ranked number 50 in the BBC’s poll of the 100 Greatest Britons.
Collect for John Wesley
I am no longer my own, but yours. Put me to what you will, rank me with whom you will; put me to doing, put me to suffering; let me be employed for you, or laid aside for you, exalted for you, or brought low for you; let me be full, let me be empty, let me have all things, let me have nothing: I freely and wholeheartedly yield all things to your pleasure and disposal. And now, glorious and blessed God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, you are mine and I am yours. So be it. And the covenant now made on earth, let it be ratified in heaven. Amen.
Edith Cavell
When Edith was a young girl in the late 1800s, she informed the bishop that her father’s church in Swardeston, near Norfolk, England, needed a room for the growing Sunday School. The bishop offered help—so long as Edith raised money as well. Edith and her sister began painting cards and raised some 300 pounds (about $30,000 in today’s funds), and she contacted the bishop. St. Mary’s, Swardeston, built the addition, and Sunday School classes thrived.
As an adult, Edith continued her life of service. Her early work as a governess in Belgium was interrupted when she returned home to Swardeston to nurse her father back to health. This experience led Edith to explore nursing, and she was eventually placed in charge of L’Ecole Belge d’Infirmieres Diplomees, a nursing school for women in Brussels.
World War I began, and Brussels was invaded. Edith was visiting family in England, but she immediately returned to Brussels. Realizing the danger for citizens and soldiers alike, Edith helped provide an underground escape route for those fleeing to the Netherlands. More than 200 soldiers escaped to safety. German military authorities discovered her acts. Edith confessed—which likely saved the lives of others who assisted her—and was sentenced to death.
As she awaited execution, the Germans allowed an Anglican priest to visit her. He recalls that in their final meeting, Edith received communion and prayed, expressing forgiveness toward her executioners. She said, “I thank God for this ten weeks’ quiet before the end. Life has always been hurried and full of difficulty. This time of rest has been a great mercy. But this I would say, standing as I do in view of God and eternity, I realize that patriotism is not enough. I must have no hatred or bitterness toward anyone.”
Edith’s execution on October 12, 1915, horrified the world. Her grace stunned even her captors. After the war ended, Edith’s remains were exhumed, and she was reburied with great ceremony in a cemetery near her childhood home in Swardeston.
Edith believed that patriotism must be examined through love for our fellow humans and through the commandment of Christ to love and forgive without regard to nationality, ethnicity, or our own bitterness.
Collect for Edith Cavell
Holy God, in grace and mercy your Son asks us to love our enemies and forgive those who persecute us: Grant us the desire to follow the example of your servant Edith Cavell who, in your name, healed the wounded, guided those in danger to safety, and forgave those who persecuted her as she was sustained by your word and sacrament; through the name of your Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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251 comments on “John Wesley vs. Edith Cavell”
I believe I have unlocked the Why of the matchups, and the SEC is brilliant. I see in these matchups an "old" Saint that affected the entire world with their learning and devotion inspire a "new" Saint to the national or regional level. Which, in my opinion, should therefore affect our actions to the local level. How do we follow in the footsteps of Edith or Maria in our church, neighborhood or city? This has affeected me deeply and has made me question how I am walking my path as a Christian in this unsettled and violent world that we encounter on a daily, and sometimes hourly, basis. I must say that the collect for John Wesley gets very specific when looked at in the light of The Lord's Prayer, 'not my will, but thine be done'. (Something I struggle with every day.) To do so joyfully and with complete submission, as the collect seems to indicate, it sometimes even harder. I had to vote for Wesley in light of that alone.
John, John Wesley.
With fifteen children, there must have been a Thomas in there somewhere.
Probably several "Hey, You"s too.
A Hugh Amen to that!
It was exactly the same for me. What a beautiful collect! I will be using that in prayer. But Edith got my vote today. It is rare that I say "wow" after reading one of these saintly write-ups. Thanks to both Celebrity Bloggers!
I believe you are 100% correct in your assessment of the match-ups Marian - Brilliant SEC indeed!
I did not read this before I wrote my reply. I did not see any such grand design but it is very thoughtful and clever. I don't want this to be easy and like everyone else I want to learn and become stronger in my faith.
I wish now I had saved the old brackets to go over them again.
That was a tough one! I thought for sure my Wesleyan loyalty was strong enough to avoid temptation. But, alas!
John Wesley is one of the most important figures in the development of Protestant Christianity, and as I read through the above material, I intended to vote for him. I knew the outline of Edith Clavell’s story; while honoring her witness I felt that Wesley was the more deserving. Then I read Clavell’s last words. In the USA at this moment in history, we should all take to heart the expression, “Patriotism is not enough,” and remember that all of us are, above all, Children of God, and citizens of God’s Kingdom first of all, and only secondly, and temporarily, citizens of any earthly nation. I voted for Edith.
Almost voted for Wesley, but then read Edith's quote before she was executed, "....patriotism is not enough. I must have no hatred or bitterness toward anyone. THAT did it.
With fear for my bracket, I stepped out in faith and voted for Edith . . . what a reward to see her vote total surging well past Wesley so early! With great respect and affection to Methodists everywhere, I am completely enamored with Edith -- her remarkable courage, the amazing grace she displayed in forgiving her executioners, and particularly the joy, yes I'll say joy, she found in her contemplative end. I'm so glad Lent Madness introduced me to this remarkable saint this year.
Although I greatly admire Edith Cavell, I had to go with John Wesley. I was a Methodist for 28 years before marrying a Brit and becoming an Anglican. We visited Wesley Chapel and rectory in London and there I learned that Wesley, always trying to improve the lives of the poor and the disabled, had invented the first electric shock machine, trying to help the mentally ill who were treated so horribly in those days. His commitment to everyday people was complete and never wavered.
Edith's story moved me to tears! "I must have no hatred or bitterness toward anyone.”
It's still early for me folks, so please forgive the "Hugh" that came through- it was supposed to be "HUGE"!
I had never heard of Edith but was very moved by her story. However, being raised in the Methodist church and having learned about Wesley from the beginning, I have to vote for him.
This was a hard choice today, but I believe Edith's final thoughts speaks to all Americans in this time of national division and animosity.
I was all set to vote for Wesley, and then that whole love and forgive everyone came along. Such an important message for these times. Thanks again LM, for educating me about someone that I'd never heard of!
One of the things that concerns me in these conversations/comments, is that we assume that people know about Jesus.. but in our current culture the only version many Millennials know is that put out by the very conservative right. We Episcopalians are good at social action/issues but not so good at evangelism... of actually helping people become Christian. And frankly, I think that is what the task is going to be going forward.
Years ago I recall telling someone... if we want to have urban mission, we need to have some urban Christians.
Wesley's movement was in fact the spearhead of a great social action...way out ahead of the C of E in general, precisely because of it's commitment to, and knowledge of Jesus. Actions like Edith's grow out of the faith, not the other way 'round.
It's certainly why I went to March in Selma... not because I was that brilliant about civil rights, but because I'd decided about Jesus... and that was what THAT moved me into.
I commend your comments, Len. And thank you for your service at Selma! We received a Bishop visitation recently at our Episcopal church, and he encouraged us to be evangelists, telling people what our church means to us and inviting them to attend with us. It is hard to do for us, I think, religion is one of those subjects people feel can only lead to arguments or misunderstandings. I'm certainly guilty of shyness, but I'm trying to be more outgoing about my faith. I've read that the majority of Americans who call themselves Christians have a very childlike view of religion. "God likes me and wants me to do well in a very hands-off way. I'll pray to him when I need something, and that's about it." There is a richness they are missing out on, and we have an obligation to share it with them.
Thank you for your clear thought Len; spot on! Hope all is well with you and Lindsey and all those dear to you.
Thanks Connie... Lindsay sends hugs too
Yes, yes, and yes again. Thank you, Len, for expressing this.
Edith. Wow! The Lenten theme of encountering those who have taken action in their faith persists. Not that John Wesley wasn’t worthy, just that Edith Cavell’s example speaks unwritten volumes to me.
I had expected I would vote for John. And then I read about Edith. In today's world, we need more Ediths. What an inspiration!
I was baptized and raised a Methodist and though I admire the conviction of Edith Cavell (whom I'd never heard of), John Wesley has had a far greater impact in Anglicanism and Christianity over the centuries. Truly, his message has been far-reaching and ever-enduring.
Yes. I had a similar journey. Wesley's such an important person in the faith, but yet... Having read Edith's story I felt compelled to vote for her.
Edith lived the life of a disciple . She ran toward Christ and his work.
I voted for John Wesley. I am not in the mood for martyrs this Lent. I honor Edith Cavell and her work and sacrifice, but I am more interested this year in the "discipline of spirituality" that changes the world. As someone trying to figure out how to help preserve American democracy and "save our national soul," I look to Wesley as a model. John Wesley experienced failure and overcame it to become someone who, in the spirit, transformed religiosity as we know it. Not John the baptizer but John the preacher and organizer, he revived spiritual practice and breathed new life into it. To me that is huge. I assume the collect is quoting him: "I am no longer my own but yours." Amen
I, too, am finding myself less interested in martyrs this year. We can open a newspaper or browser and see them laid out before us throught the world. I am finding myself in need of contemplating my inner spirituality instead of living a recationary spirituality. I think that is why Wesley has affected me so deeply this morning - I, and we all, must truly explore our own inner spirituality in order to better react to world and local events in a truly Christian and Christ-like manner.
Yesterday was the anniversary of Sophia Scholl, who was executed by the Nazis on 2/22/1943 for non-violent resistance to Hitler. She was 21; she was guillotined for distributing anti-war leaflets at the University of Munich. We have many martyrs to mourn. How to act faithfully in a dangerous and hostile world is a perpetual challenge. I seek the "green martyrs" who taught us how to conduct ourselves "righteously" through all the perils of ordinary life.
Indeed, the whole collect is the work of J W. It can be found in the service of commitment and covenant typically used on New Year's Eve in a (sadly) few of our remaining Methodist churches. As John Wesley is my father in the faith (I am a lifelong Methodist) I must vote for him. His life inspired me, his words guided me, his church formed me, his spirituality comforted me, the hymnody encouraged by him and written by his brother, Charles, has been my joy. I am who I am largely because of the Methodist movement.
Love the Methodist Church where in Kentucky little chapels and churches are ubiquitous. I attend the Methodist Church there because the closest Episcopal Church is two counties over. Yes, I certainly voted for John.
Indeed, the collect is Wesley's Covenant Prayer, often used by Methodists like me worldwide for New Year's Eve or Day services.
Edith Cavill, a saint for our times!
Is this twice now that a martyr and a church person of letters have run against each other? It is a no brainer for me most of the time. I thought hard for Peter and Paul and the upcoming Maria and Quiteria may even require some prayer. I don't want to come out and say it but could some of these be stacked???
Always learning something new during Lent Madness. I’ve never heard of Edith Cavell, and she was a true inspiration.
I voted for Edith but loved Neva's collect for John. In fact, I feel it could be applied to Edith's life as well. Well done all around.
John wrote that prayer himself. Kudos to Neva for thinking of using it.
thank you for letting me know!
You're welcome! 🙂
“Edith believed that patriotism must be examined through love for our fellow humans and through the commandment of Christ to love and forgive without regard to nationality, ethnicity, or our own bitterness.”
Such a necessary message today!
Our country could use an Edith Cavell! "Patriotism is not enough."
You know what? I just refuse to choose!
As compiler of the first Anglican hymnal Wesley has to have my vote today, in spite of Cavell's superiority.
Thank you for speaking up about the death penalty.
Go Susanna!!!!
Yes
Anytime Susan, anytime. The Episcopal Church has a formal stance against the death penalty, but I think we need to do more to make sure the people in the pulpits and the people in the pews know it.
Yes, indeed, we do.
I graduated from Southern Methodist University and was totally prepared to vote again for one of the three original Anglo-Methodists. Then I read Laurie's bit about Edith and remembered why her name sounded familiar.
My minor at SMU was in Human Rights and like many in the program I was involved with work opposing the Death Penalty, especially in Texas. [If you haven't yet seen the documentary At the Death House Door you need to look it up and see it before Holy Week.
So on behalf of all those who have been murdered by the state, including Our Lord, I must vote for Edith Carvell. Talk about imitating Christ.
[The only major Christian denomination to support instead of oppose the death penalty is the Southern Baptist. That they can worship Jesus and support state murder is a work of cognitive dissonance beyond belief.]
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/bbc/11861398/Revealed-New-evidence-that-executed-wartime-nurse-Edith-Cavells-network-was-spying.html
The article above adds more nuance to Edith Cavell’s story, even as I treasure her desire to save their despite nationality
https://youtu.be/TZ7Nuw_rTmE
I also found this clip on Edith Cavell’s life
In spite of his tremendous impact on the Christian church, I could not bring myself to vote for John Wesley over the incredible and I'm afraid mostly forgotten Edith Cavell. So give her the Golden Halo, as Wesley has received plenty of attention and plaudits. But let me just say that I think Wesley has the most beautiful collect I have ever read!
We need Edith's spirit and example right now in this country. Let us learn from her example.
Richard Hooker gets paired against a made up story and John Wesley is placed against a female World War 2 martyr. The SEC has an anti-UMC bias.
Madness indeed! The two Padres know what havoc they wreak because the daily choices cause us to think and re-think our final choices before pushing that VOTE button. Global or local? Ordained or lay? It really is HOLY MADNESS ! I appreciate knowing more about the lesser known, and oftimes unknown, until they are unearthed here. Today, my focus is on loving and forgiving...no hatred..no bitterness. Edith Cavell-saint and martyr.