SOPHIA BRINGS HOLY WISDOM
Greek Goddess Sophia unblocks and inspires
creativity, and brings wisdom to the seeker. Early Greek Christians portrayed
the feminine face of God as Hagia Sophia, or "Holy Female Wisdom." It
was believed that Sophia's spirit entered Mary to conceive Jesus and, as a dove,
entered Jesus at his baptism. She gave voice to the apostles at Pentecost. This
ivory colored statue with blush undertones is one of our most magnificent and
regal likenesses.
Biblical references to Sophia:
In Proverbs chapter 1, starting at verse 20, divine Sophia (Wisdom) is
portrayed as a woman crying in the streets. This feminine divine image continues
throughout Proverbs, especially in chapter 8. The original Hebrew Hokmah was
also a female metaphor. Paul uses the female image of divine Sophia (Wisdom) to
describe Christ in 1 Corinthians 1:24.
On Saturday of every third week of the Liturgy of the Hours, priests around the
world pray during Lauds from the Book of Wisdom:
Now with you is Wisdom, who knows your works and was present when you made the
world; Who understands what is pleasing in your eyes and what is conformable
with your commands. Send her forth from your holy heavens and from your glorious
throne dispatch her that she may be with me and work with me, that I may know
what is your pleasure. (NAB Wis 9: 1,6,9-10 )
Note that Wisdom is female, and with God at
creation. She is coeternal with the Father.
Sophia is either identical to the Logos (as Paul seems to indicate), or Sophia
is the Holy Spirit!
|
|
