Proverbs tells us that Wisdom was God’s first creation and that she was present and active during every other act of creation. She was God’s delight and delighted in humanity. I can’t help but wonder if this is still true.
The Psalm raises the question of why God would be mindful of human beings. Is it because Wisdom rejoices and delights in us?
Both of these touch something deep within me. Carl Jung suggested that Christianity would be better represented by a quaternity rather than a trinity. He suggested Satan be included in the Godhead, given the power of evil in the world. If we’re going to commit such heresy as messing with the Trinity, I’m not inclined to give Satan any more power. But I’d be all for a quaternity that included Sophia – the Wisdom of God. Maybe we would pay a little more attention to her…
So this week is a poem in her honor:
SOPHIA’S DAUGHTERS
By way of warning I must say
that I’ve been known to sit at Sophia’s feet -
the Goddess within the God -
the still, small voice in the dark of night
brings light to my path and
melody to my dance.
Hovering over creation waters
Wisdom gave birth to dry land.
Later she spoke the Word become flesh.
In between
She held Eve’s hand at the gates of Eden
Taught Sarah to laugh
and Miriam to dance.
She gave comfort to Hagar
and courage to Esther.
And one night she sat with Mary
who pondered a request
Sophia held her hand in those moments
between her yes and possible no.
Then they walked together for
nine months that spread beyond thirty years.
She danced with others, too -
a woman at a well who yearned
for living water
had the Wisdom to ask for a drink.
Another who poured out oil and tears
in search of life
found Wisdom on her knees
before the Word spoken aloud.
And let us not forget the other Mary –
the one of questionable means –
She danced with grace that only Sophia could grant -
demons cast out and
sins forgiven -
Compassion rooted in her soul; she found
hope in Wisdom’s child as her
eyes were opened.
There are others more numerous than those in the Book -
Daughters of Sophia — I am one, perhaps you as well…
Eyes wide with wonder I see her:
forgotten Goddess swallowed in
memory of the God.
Lest we forget,
She holds the world in her hands
By her light we see
By her guidance we live -
at least we try…
You need not agree;
just remember I sit at Sophia’s feet
and listen for a voice seldom heard…
Sophia on Star Island – Oil on Canvas
RCL – Trinity Sunday – First Sunday after Pentecost – May 26, 2013
Proverbs 8:1-4, 22-3
Psalm 8
Romans 5:1-5
John 16:12-15
