The Way of Wisdom

Wisdom, personified as Wisdom-Sophia-Jesus, offers a distinct way of being. As stated in the Gospel of Matthew, “Wisdom is proved right by her deeds” (11:19). Those “deeds” refer to the examples given in chapter 11 that point to the alleviation of suffering. 

• The way of Wisdom offers life.

• The way of Wisdom alleviates suffering.

• The way of Wisdom protects, advocates and liberates. 

This week, I find myself clinging to the way of Wisdom-Sophia-Jesus. In some places, I see the way of Wisdom breathing hope and healing. I rejoice as I watch God’s beloved community offer this Divine goodness that takes care of those suffering. In other places, I feel the devastating gap between our reality and the way of Wisdom. As we reflect on the life and teachings of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., we also grieve the loss of Keenan Anderson’s life to police brutality — we are at loss. How can the way of Wisdom feel so far from the inhumane violence that happens in this country? In an article in the Los Angeles Times, the reported shared these words from Rev. James Thompson at Keenan Anderson’s vigil on Saturday night, 

“We come to you, God, with tears streaming down our faces, with our hearts broken. God, we come to you asking you why? Why does this continue to happen to our people? Why do we continue to have to deal with this perpetual mourning? Why do we continue to have to endure white supremacy and evil in those who are supposed to serve and protect us?” 

As we all contemplate on Wisdom, would we continue to ask Spirit to bring the way of Wisdom—that protects, advocates, and liberates— to our reality. Would we join the places God’s beloved community are already embodying the radical way of Wisdom, and would we continue to mourn, cry out, and fight Wisdom to come. 

--

Dottie Oleson