(with Dr. Melissa A. Jackson)

As bearers of God’s image, we belong to one another—our neighbor, our community, our earth, its inhabitants, all creation. At Sophia, as we learn together alongside each other, you will become a vital part of a body that transforms you and is transformed by you.

The Bible uses a number of metaphors and analogies to describe a community inhabited by God’s presence: a kingdom, a vine and its branches, a congregation (Hebrew: qahal; Greek: ekklesia), a group of disciples. Paul demonstrated a certain preference for the image of the body, the body of Christ.

This rich image speaks to many things. It reminds us that, while community, to be sure, involves a degree of unity, that unity is not uniformity and is certainly not conformity. Members in a true community remain distinct individuals, each respecting the other and the other’s contribution. Here, the musical concept of harmony complements Paul’s body metaphor nicely. The harmony that Sophia seeks involves multiple tones structured in chords, rather than a group of voices singing in unison.

Paul’s image reminds us that the life of a community involves many tasks and that, correspondingly, members of a community have many functions. A healthy community will include hands to hold and shape, eyes to see need, feet to go where there is need, hearts to feel compassion for the needy, and minds to understand the need. No function can claim priority, and every function is necessary.

The image of the body of Christ underscores the fact that each member of the body is precious to all the others. Hearts that circulate the blood that delivers nutrients throughout need lungs to oxygenate that blood. Muscles depend on that blood. Fingers may seem relatively less vital, but when they have been injured, the whole body knows the pain. At Sophia, every part cherishes every other part. Differences in function do not matter.

Paul’s body imagery also suggests that a healthy body grows and develops. Minds sharpen; muscles develop; bones lengthen and strengthen. Throughout life, hopefully, human beings gain in wisdom, understanding, and compassion. Sophia’s community prioritizes nurturing such growth, not just in knowledge, but also in mature personhood.

The Advent and Christmas seasons give us the opportunity to remember that, in keeping with Paul’s notion, as members of the body of Christ, followers of Jesus have the privilege and responsibility of incarnating, embodying Christ in the world. As bearers of God’s image, we belong to one another—our neighbor, our community, our earth, its inhabitants, all creation. At Sophia, as we learn together alongside each other, you will become a vital part of a body that transforms you and is transformed by you.