Wisdom and Romans 12

Tuesday, May 12, 2009 -- Week of 5 Easter, Year One

Today's Readings for the Daily Office (Book of Common Prayer, p. 962)
Psalms 61, 62 (morning) 68:1-20(21-23)24-36 (evening)
Wisdom* 10:1-4(5-12)13-21
Romans 12:1-21
Luke 8:1-15 *found in the Apocrypha

The word for "wisdom" in Greek is "sophia," a feminine word. In the Wisdom of Solomon (written in Greek), wisdom/sophia is personified as a functional equivalent to the Spirit of God, a feminine Spirit that holds all things together (1:7). In our chapter today, the author repeats the catchword "She" meaning "Sophia/Wisdom" to trace how Sophia/Wisdom has guided Israel's history through her heroes.

In the Hebrew scriptures the feminine word "Hokhma" means Wisdom (it is also translated as "knowledge," "truth," "counsel," and "law). The Hebrew word for "Understanding" (aka prudence, insight, intellect, and intuition) is "Binah," also feminine. A Latin word for Wisdom is "Sapientia," also feminine.

Among the Jewish mystics there is great affection for the power of the "Tree of Life" ("Asherah") as a representation of the One God. In medieval days Jewish mystic tradition regarded "Hokhma" and "Binah" as feminine attributes or emanations of the divine "Tree of Life."

The Hebrew scriptures often refer to God's breath with the feminine term "Ruach" which means breath, soul, or spirit. And God's powerful divine presence is God's "Shekhinah," God's Holy Spirit, also a feminine word. The predominant name for God in the second great Biblical epic history is "Elohim," a feminine plural Hebrew name given to the Creator in Genesis 1. Since Elohim is a plural word, some have translated it "God and Goddess." The singular forms are "Eloh" meaning "God," and "Eloah" meaning "Goddess."

These traditions offer us a couple of reminders. First, the nature and being of God incorporates and transcends gender. God is both male and female. And it seems important to guard our language about God so that it doesn't become predominately or exclusively masculine language.
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The second half of Romans 12 is a beautiful exhortation about how we can live in community. As I read this wonderful passage today, I thought how transforming it might be if our political life were dominated by these values:

Let love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good; love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honor. Do not lag in zeal, be ardent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints; extend hospitality to strangers.

Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly; do not claim to be wiser than you are. Do not repay anyone evil for evil, but take thought for what is noble in the sight of all. If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave room for the wrath of God; for it is written, ‘Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.’ No, ‘if your enemies are hungry, feed them; if they are thirsty, give them something to drink; for by doing this you will heap burning coals on their heads.’ Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

How different might our foreign policy be if guided by these values? How might our economic life be more compassionate and inclusive? What would happen if an entire political party took these Biblical values as the centerpiece of their activity?

Lowell
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About Morning Reflections
Morning Reflections is a brief thought about the scripture readings from the Daily Office of Morning and Evening Prayer according to the practice found in the Book of Common Prayer of the Episcopal Church.

Morning Prayer begins on p. 80 of the Book of Common Prayer.
Evening Prayer begins on p. 117

An online resource for praying the Daily Office is found at www.missionstclare.com
Another form of the office from Phyllis Tickle's "Divine Hours" is available on our partner web site www.ExploreFaith.org at this location -- http://explorefaith.org/prayer/fixed/index.html


The Mission of St. Paul's Episcopal Church
is to explore and celebrate
God's infinite grace, acceptance, and love.

Visit our web site at www.stpaulsfay.org

Our Rule of Life

We aspire to...
worship weekly
pray daily
learn constantly
serve joyfully
live generously.

Lowell Grisham, Rector

St. Paul's Episcopal Church
Fayetteville, Arkansas