Jesus as Divine Wisdom

Dear Saint Andrew’s,

Last Sunday, we reflected on Jesus words of radical welcome, “Whoever welcomes you, welcomes me.” This Sunday we will put Jesus’ words into practice by wearing nametags. Our ushers will ask everyone to make a nametag as they come in the door. This way, we can call each other by name as we greet each other at the peace (e.g. “The peace of the LORD be always with you, John.”). Nametags will also be helpful as we get to know each other better at coffee hour. Many thanks to our coffee hour hosts Sue and Charlie Evans (8:00) and Jim and Nancy Meade (10:30).

Since summer is the time that most people relocate, this is a particularly important time to be focused on “welcoming everyone as Christ.” We had 7 visitors last Sunday!

This Sunday, we will be reflecting on one of my favorite topics, understanding Jesus as Divine Wisdom. Wisdom is personified as a woman in ancient Hebrew writings. In Proverbs, she is the hostess at a great banquet. She invites those who are unwise to come to a feast that she has prepared. She issues an invitation to walk in God’s ways, a way that leads to life.

In Sunday’s gospel, Jesus says to the crowd,

“…the Son of Man came eating and drinking and they say ‘Look, a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ Yet wisdom is vindicated by her deeds.”

Jesus as Divine Wisdom is not just an esoteric theological topic. It has real importance for each of us as we seek to deepen our spiritual lives. Having an experience of Christ that encompasses both male and female enriches us. Jesus was of course a man in history. But knowing that God is Spirit and that Spirit is neither male nor female, experiencing Christ as both male and female gives us a fuller image of God.

I look forward to our worship together on Sunday. For those who are traveling over the holiday week-end, we pray for traveling mercies.

Yours in Christ,
Shearon+