How do we find her?

   One day as I concluded a talk on Sophia, a woman asked me: "You told us how Sophia got lost. Now tell us: How do we find her?" I suggested that she begin by reading, studying, and meditating on the Sophia passages in the Bible and that she take a metaphor or a name for Sophia in the verses, breathe it in and our, letting it permeate her whole being. "Most essential of all," I responded, "is to ask Sophia to reveal herself to you."

     We need to look for Sophia. By her very nature she is relational, present in the world, interacting among people and ordinary human lives. By desiring to know her, by opening our minds and hearts, her radiance will permeate our lives. Such is what happened recently with a concerned mother who was having much difficulty with her two young daughters, who were sulky and disruptive.

     One day after work she sat alone in her car feeling sad and troubled. She called on Sophia for guidance and insight, praying quietly for some time. Then she drove home, sat down with her daughters and together they came to some much-needed household compromises that made all of them more peaceful and happy.

      Prayer is vital in discovering this treasure of Sophia. This helps me the most in finding her and establishing a faithful relationship.

     I believe it is time for Christians to recover the richness of this heritage of the divine feminine that has been lost. We need Sophia now more than ever. We need her compassionate presence and her ability to help us see clearly in the midst of a world that cries out for wisdom and love.

     Sophia will not fail us. She will always draw us deeper and further for there is no end to the mystery of her life with us. "The first person did not finish discovering about her nor has the most recent tracked her down; for her thoughts are wider than the seas, and her designs more profound than the abyss" (Sir. 24:28-29).

                                -- Joyce Rupp

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