A day after voting between two saints with elegant names, we're back to more mundane monikers. Anna and Michael. There is nothing mundane about these two contestants, however, as prophet faces archangel in a matchup you will only find here at Lent Madness. Is it fair to put an angel in the bracket against a mere mortal? We're not sure. But as the familiar expression goes, "All's fair in love and Lent Madness."
Speaking of those elegantly named saints, Eglantyne Jebb easily defeated Seraphim of Sarov 73% to 27% to advance to the Saintly Sixteen.
Today is the last battle of a full week of saintly thrills and spills. We'll see everyone bright and early on Monday morning with an exciting agricultural matchup between Isidore the Farmer and Phocus the Gardener. TGIL, everybody! (Thank God It's Lent).
Anna the Prophet
Like many women in the Bible, Anna doesn’t have a lot of scriptural context to sketch a complete biography. However, the simple fact that Anna is given a name and title speaks to the importance of this woman. Known as Anna the Prophet, she is recognized as the widow who was with Simeon in the temple when Jesus was presented by Mary and Joseph shortly after his birth.
Saint Luke (2:36–38) tells us: “There was also a prophet, Anna the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was of a great age, having lived with her husband for seven years after her marriage, then as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped there with fasting and prayer night and day. At that moment she came, and began to praise God and to speak about the child to all who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem.”
As a Jewish prophet, Anna led a life of devotion to God through daily prayer, worship, and work at the temple. Anna is honored as a saint for her recognition of Christ as the Messiah during his presentation in the temple. Both Simeon and Anna were transformed by their encounter with Jesus, which led to the creation of the Song of Simeon that we sing to this day. Also known as the Nunc Dimittis, the Song of Simeon is a traditional canticle often used in Compline and Evensong.
Although we don’t know much about the details of her life, Anna’s presence and witness offer several important lessons. She teaches us about the importance of prayer and fasting to prepare for the coming of our Lord. She models for us the importance of patience, since much of a faithful life is spent waiting. Her diligence assures us that the practices of prayer, fasting, preparation, and patience will give us a reward far greater than anything we can imagine. Anna teaches us that our faithful practices allow us to participate in the coming of Christ.
Anna’s feast day is celebrated on February 3.
Collect for Anna the Prophet
Almighty and life-giving God, we give thanks for the witness of Anna the Prophet who recognized our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ during his presentation in the temple. We give thanks, O Lord, for the teachings of Anna that show us the path to glory can be found through prayer, fasting, preparation, and patience; in Christ’s name. Amen.
Michael the Archangel
The word angel means messenger from God. Archangels are considered the chief angels in the hierarchy of angels, although most of this hierarchy is human construct. The full name of Michael translates to “Who is like God?”—an obviously rhetorical question. Michael is mentioned in the holy texts of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.
Michael is described in the Bible as a helper and defender of God’s holy people, the one who cares for the dead (Michael even argues with the devil over Moses’ body in the book of Jude). Most notably, Michael is portrayed as fighting and defeating the dragon in the Book of Revelation. Michael is frequently depicted as a warrior angel, holding a sword and a shield and standing astride a defeated and subdued dragon.
While Michael has been invoked in prayer through the centuries as the defender and protector of the people of God, the warrior image is a more modern concept. In the early centuries of Christianity, the faithful venerated Michael as a defender and protector, not through violence and war but through healing. Churches, shrines, and holy places dedicated to Michael began appearing in the fourth century as places of healing. Many of these holy places were built around hot springs in Greece and Asia. Michael’s protection extended from life to death, as Michael guarded the souls of the dead against evil and guided them to God as they came into the kingdom of heaven.
Only as Christianity became associated with political and military might did the image of Michael shift to an archangel clad in armor and leading armies in the name of Christ. By the Middle Ages, Michael and George became the patron saints of chivalry, a code of conduct associated with knighthood and military service.
Michael is given credit for redirecting a river to save a church; standing with a sword over the tomb of Hadrian, thus protecting Rome from a devastating plague under the papacy of Gregory the Great; and appearing to the Bishop of Avranches in 708 with directions to build a church on the rocky islet now known as Mont Saint-Michel in France. Michael is also considered to be the domesticator of horses; legend holds that Michael taught Saint Florus and Saint Laurus to listen to the language of horses so they could be helpers to humanity.
Collect for Michael the Archangel
Everlasting God, you have ordained and constituted in a wonderful order the ministries of angels and mortals: Mercifully grant that, as your holy angels always serve and worship you in heaven, so by your appointment they may help and defend us here on earth; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
[poll id="217"]
303 comments on “Anna the Prophet vs. Michael the Archangel”
I went with the human, Anna. I know the church recognizes angels as saints, but I think it's an unfair match-up
I'm all for the archangels, but they don't need my vote to be famous or honored. Even though Michael's places started out as places of healing, and he's associated with horses -- both important to me -- I'm going with the Jewish woman prophet whose devotion is an example.
Tough choice for me today - but I chose Anna because her story is more solid to me than that of Michael.
Gotta be Michael. As a fencer (a very poor one) I took him as my patron,
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In our time of new challenges to Christianity, we need Michael to lead us. I like his active deeds and his courage.
Hey - SEC. Cute one, assigning both Anna Alexander and Anna the Prophet to CB Anna Fitch Courie.
I voted for Michael because I thought he'd have better kitsch.
I call foul on the SEC for sending in an Archangel Ringer! Very naughty!
Tough choice here. Angels and prophets are both messengers. But angels are s comfort: they always lead with "do not be afraid". Michael gets my vote and my heart
Prophets and angels are both messengers. Angels bring comfort with them "do not be afraid" is always the lead . My vote and heart go to Michael
Michael already has it "made." Anna is the great one.
Wait a minute. Michael is not human, he is an angel. Unfair
Madness! Sheer madness! Prophet vs Archangel?? What to do??
I chose Michael because he is a defender of God’s people.
Don't angels already have halos? If so, then it seems redundant to include an angel in Lent Madness competing for the Golden Halo.
A long time ago I asked when we started canonizing angels since the feast day was being called St Michael and All Angels. The "St" has been dropped in the current lectionary, but we still have a day to honor the angels. I have no problem with that, but I have never gotten an answer to my original question. I don't pray to angels or ask them to intercede for me. I go directly to God and ask Him to intercede in whatever way He deems best. It may very well be by sending an angel, or even Michael, but that is not my choice to make.
I don't know how God would define "saint," but I think Anna definitely qualifies.
I am not a fan of the Church Militant. That is definitely NOT what Christ taught. I prefer humble and fasting, as Jesus is. I chose Anna.
Voting in honor of a parish with a special place in my heart- St. Michael’s Austin!
I voted for Michael for the most mundane reason perhaps - because I love the Mont Saint Michel in France, and without Michael, well.....
I'm disappointed Seraphim lost, even tho I usually vote for the women over the men, Seraphim has been a hero for me. I'm also disappointed that Anna the Prophet - the only woman to be awarded the title "Prophet" in the NT, is trailing behind Michael Archangel. No offense, Michael. But Prophet!
I've attended two St. Michael and all Angels parishes, but the story of the Presentation at the Temple is a favorite of mine. So I voted for Anna, her wisdom, patience, faithfulness and prophetic powers. (I'm thankfu Anna wasn't pitted against Simeon. That would have been an impossible choice!)
As a historical reenactor in a company of Renaissance German mercenaries, I have a deep affection for an angelic warrior even if the fighting attribute didn't come about until the Middle Ages. And walking unprepared into the demented splendor of the high altar in St. Michael's Church in Vienna is one of my fondest memories from my honeymoon. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._Michael%27s_Church,_Vienna#/media/File:Wien_-_Michaelerkirche,_Hochaltar.JPG) BUT, "The simple fact that Anna is given a name and title speaks to the importance of this woman." Yes indeed! On this match-up, I'm going with Crone Power.
“Demented splendor” captures it. Rococo to the max. Thanks.
(Apparently I hit the wrong "reply" button.)
Today the vote goes for the archangel Michael. Are the other three archangels going to be contestants? The
"Demented splendor" captures it. Rococo to the max. Thanks.
Real person vs. an angel. Anna gets my vote.
That's the first time my moniker has been called mundane. Harumpf!
They misspelled "mignon monikers."
Anna’s example of patience and devotion to God spoke to me today, as I feel particularly besieged by our cultural abandonment of God’s Word of love and justice in today’s political climate. I need her model of wisdom, understanding, and PATIENCE this Lent. “Heal us, Good Lord”.
You've said it well, Sally.
We gave both our sons middle names after archangels. Ironically, the one who went into the Marine Corps has the middle name of Michael. I always thought he was the coolest angel.
Our local RC church is San Miguel, and comes with a great story. The church was built in 1615, and originally Nuestra Senora de Socorro (our Lady of Help.) In the 19th century, there was an Apache raid, and villagers sought refuge in the adobe church. The raiders saw an apparition of a winged man wielding a sword, and fled. The church was renamed San Miguel, since he had protected them.
Going with Michael!
Wow! That IS a great story!
So I suppose Our Lady did send help!
Even though we named one of our kids after the aforesaid archangel, I voted for Anna and am inspired by her example of prayer, fasting, patience, anticipation, and waiting for the Lord.
I have to go with Michael, as my Adult Son
When he was in Sunday School portrayed
Michael the Archangel. And as Michael was
Seen fighting the dragon in Revelations my So.
Fought many a dragon with Math in School!
He won, became a teacher in Math and is now a Principal! So, not only did Michael fight, defeat, & Conqueor he also helped people
With what they were dealing with and helped
Guide them as well! So I feel bad for Anna but
my heart is with Michael!
Michael is probably working overtime as the Patron Saint of our beloved PB. Compared to that, dragons are a piece of cake.