Symbols and substance

"Symbolism over substance" is a consistent critique of political parties and political leaders, regardless of one's political leanings.

There is nothing wrong with symbols or symbolism. From the earliest days of humanity, symbols have been an important part of culture. Symbols teach us things through repetition and reminder. They rally us together behind important thoughts and principles.

Religious life is no exception. Even in more informal church settings, weekly worship includes certain symbols, like crosses and altars, that fulfill an important purpose in religious life.

The world was captivated this past week with the rich symbolism that goes into the election of a pope in the Roman Catholic Church. These include the colorful robes and pagentry of the Cardinals and the new pope, as well as the myriad of symbols surrounding the conclave itself (remember the white smoke symbolizing the election that caused the crowd to cheer).

Symbols, though, are supposed to point to something bigger -- something practical and measurable. This is the "substance" associated with the symbol.

When politicians, parties, nations or church people are so engaged in symbols that the substance gets tossed aside, those groups lose touch with the actual people they are called to serve.

This is why the newly elected pope, Leo XIV, said in his very first papal address to the awaiting crowd in Rome, that the peace of Christ his office represents should challenge us to embody peace in a world in desperate need of it.

"We are disciples of Christ, Christ goes before us, and the world needs his light," Leo said. "Humanity needs Him like a bridge to reach God and His love. You help us to build bridges with dialogue and encounter, so we can all be one people always in peace."

With these words, the new pontiff expressed the idea that practical actions in-keeping with the ways of Christ must accompany the grand symbols present on that day.

It's relatively easy to engage in symbolic gestures, whether as politicians signing orders and proclamations or church people simply reciting often-repeated prayers and creeds. These things have their place; however real faith comes when we are able to put hands and feet toward the fulfillment of the peace, compassion and hope these symbols represent.

May we, as people of faith, be people who take our symbols seriously, mainly because they lead us to substantive work for good in the world.