Interested in exploring the wisdom stream of the Christian tradition? Joining a Gospel of Thomas group is one way to explore wisdom, as well as a way of finding open hearted community. Gospel of Thomas groups are offered on line over zoom. Sessions run approximately 8-10 weeks and can be continued after that for further sessions, or you are free to drop out if life circumstances dictate such. A GoT group is a small group (no more than 10) people who meet once a week for 90 minutes using a Lectio Divina approach to reading The Gospel of Thomas. The Logion(s) is read aloud 3 times and after which participants are invited to share their responses to the reading. These groups offer on going sacred community which develops from the deep sharing and bonding that results from being in a stable group over time with the same individuals. Using a zoom format allows people from all over to participate. What makes these groups so valuable is that people who are exploring the wisdom stream of our faith oftentimes find themselves feeling a bit isolated and out of the mainstream. The opportunity to come together therefore with others on the wisdom path is a way of providing connection and community.
Why the Gospel of Thomas? There are many reasons for using this Gospel as a basis for exploring wisdom, not the least of which is that the Gospel of Thomas is largely regarded as a wisdom text. Here we find no story telling about the life of Jesus, just his teachings. Each Logion begins with these simple words “Yeshua says…” . The other thing about this text is that the teachings are somewhat familiar, yet paradoxically also unfamiliar to our ears. There will be a hint of familiarity to them for most people, but also elements of “woah…that’s strange!”. The somewhat mysterious and esoteric nature of the Gospel of Thomas provides spaciousness and room for reflection in ways that the canonical gospels which we know well, sometimes do not. This has the effect of disarming the rational, thinking, logical mind and creating space for unknowing, and it is the unknowing that allows for these teachings to marinate within each person in the group in a myriad of ways. In many ways it is not the text that is the point. It is the way in which the text engages with each person and creates room for pondering and sharing that is where the real work of transformation can begin to emerge.
How do I get involved? GoT groups are a new venture for me, having just completed training to become a GoT facilitator. I will be offering them as the need and demand arises. Dates and times will be determined by what my schedule can accommodate and by the desires of participants. I will keep a running list of names of people who are interested, and form groups as needed to accommodate interest. A minimum number for a group is 5 people. There will also be a suggested honorarium for each session, but the amount will be kept reasonable to allow people to participate as much as they wish. For those with limited financial means, the honorarium will reduced or waved. If you’re interested in participating in a GoT group, go to the “contact me” form and indicate in the memo section that you are interested. I’ll contact you and let you know the status of the group formation process.