When we met for the first time 10 years ago over at University Park United Methodist in Portland and First Christian Church in Eugene I never imagined we would still be meeting, and as a community, 10 years later! I never imagined our annual retreats and summer picnics, or that I would have the privilege of serving clusters of people in separate cities who would work to form bonds of community across such large geographic distances! Ten years ago many were calling what we do here “Toni’s Mass.” I can’t tell you how happy and relieved I was to see that phrase disappear! and for us to identify ourselves, by unanimous vote, as the people of Sophia Christi. These flowers on our altar today represent all of us. It is because you are here, because of your commitment of time and energy, that I am here, that we are here.
At our very first anniversary we invoked Sophia using the same chant we sang together just a few minutes ago. We asked her “to breathe in us, flow to us, shine in us, and take root in us.” As I look around this room I see evidence of her Wisdom flowing through this community. I see her joyfulness shining through your eyes and feel the breath of her dancing spirit rising and falling as we breathe together on this perfectly delightful day. And as I look at these flowers I also see you, and the faces of so many who can’t be here today but are part of this community. Sophia has taken root in us, and the flowering of that rootedness is symbolized here for all of us to see. The flowers symbolize our respect for difference and diversity. They anchor an awareness of who we are and who we are called to be.
“Why ARE you here?” God asks Elijah as he hides in the cave of God’s mountain. And it seems he is there for just that purpose—to listen for the voice of God, to get a sense of direction about who he is and what he is to do next. As I consider the question myself, I realize several things. For one, I am here because you are here. In some mysterious way I believe Sophia has pitched her tent here among us, her people, and that she sings the praises of Wisdom through us in ways we will never even know. She sings of heartfelt hospitality and understanding. She sings of wise consideration for the problems of our day, and insight into the underlying tensions confronting our world. She knows the waves sloshing against our tiny boat are huge, and the head winds are sometimes brutal and vicious. She doesn’t abandon us. She’s right there, walking calmly toward us across the water whether we see her or not, instilling courage.
So answering the question God poses today, I come to a rather peaceful place inside that reminds me of why I’ve been on this journey with you all these years. It’s because I really want to follow Wisdom’s lead and hear God’s voice in the barely audible whisper that calls me out of the cave. Sophia Christi draws me back to the teachings of Jesus, the experiences of the prophets, and the reminders in Scripture as well as in our tradition that God is with us in everything. I hear the stories again in new ways and make connections I’ve never made before enlightened by Holy Wisdom. I’m reminded that Jesus ‘walks on water’ to reach each of us, stretching out his hand when we are frightened and believe we are going to sink into the sea. We aren’t expected to be perfect or to have perfect faith. We are simply invited to ‘Come’, to risk the churning waters, to grow in confidence that we, and this entire world are held firmly in the solid grip of God’s hand.
Sophia Christi, this community, brings me back to the summons that brought me here and brings us all here today. It is the mission of the Gospel seen through the lens given us by Spirit in the early days of our formation:
“We are a Catholic Community under the guidance of Holy Wisdom, Sophia, rooted in the consciousness of Vatican II, and continuing the renewal of the Church, the Body of Christ.
We are committed to inclusivity and offer a refuge of healing and spiritual nourishment to everyone, wherever they are on their spiritual path.
We welcome everyone and strive to embody the social teachings of Jesus as we listen together for the voice and direction of Spirit in our outreach to the world.”
I love you, Sophia Christi. You are, we are, so deeply cherished by the God who calls us here. As I wish you a happy Tenth Anniversary, I ask you the question God asked Elijah and poses for us today: “Why are you here?” What has it meant for you spiritually to be part of Sophia Christi? Has it changed your heart or your life in some way you are able to share? Those of you willing to answer this question please come up to the microphone so we can all hear. [Many people in both locations responded to this invitation. It was deeply moving to hear stories of renewal and spiritual growth attributed to the presence and ministry of Sophia Christi.]
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