Loading...Let the games begin! Thursday, March 7th, officially begins the 2019 edition of Lent Madness. Here is a summary of this week’s competitions. More complete descriptions of each saint will be available on the Lent Madness website.
Wednesday, March 7 – Biblical Saints
Mary of Bethany vs. Martha of Bethany
Talk about sibling rivalry…can you believe the organizers have these sisters facing off on the first day??!! Mary and Martha are the sisters of Lazarus, whom Jesus raised from dead. The Gospel of Luke tells the story of Jesus having supper at the sisters’ house. Martha prepares and serves the meal while Mary sits at Jesus’s feet. Martha complains that Mary is not helping but Jesus defends her saying she has chosen the better part!
The Gospel of John links Mary with the woman who washes Jesus’s feet with her hair. She also scolds Jesus for not arriving in time to prevent Lazarus’s death. When Jesus asks someone to open the tomb, ever-practical Martha responds, “Lord, already there is a stench.”
My pick: Mary of Bethany
Thursday, March 8 – Mostly Modern Saints
William Wilberforce vs Agatha Lin Zhao
William was an English politician in the 1800’s who, after a dramatic conversion experience, worked successfully to abolish the slave trade in England. He formed a society of high-profile politicians who created the first grassroots human rights campaign in history.
Agatha was a native of China who served as a missionary and educator in Southern China in the 19th century. She believed that Chinese culture and her Christian faith were compatible, but the authorities beheaded her in 1858 for refusing to renounce her faith.
My pick: William of Wilberforce
Friday March 9 – Monastics and Martyrs
Ignatius of Loyola vs Tikhon of Zadonsk
Ignatius lived in the 16th century who early on would not have been confused for a saint! While recovering from battle wounds, he began reading books on the lives of Christ and the saints, which led to a transformation of his life and ultimately the church. He founded the Society of Jesus, the Jesuits, who were committed to helping souls wherever the church had need of them.
Tikhon of Zadonsk was a famous Russian bishop and monk who lived in the 18th century. He was known for his intellect, piety and humility. He founded a school and emphasized the importance of education for everyone. Throughout his life, he slept on straw, covered by a sheepskin. He was strict toward himself but kind to others.
My pick: Ignatius of Loyola
Source: The Definitive Guide to Lent Madness: Saintly Scorecard 2019
