Chapter Two Overview
Communicating Through Symbols
Chapter Message: Symbols are an important part of Sacramentality and Sacramental
Awareness because God communicates to us through symbolism. Through symbols,
especially in the natural world, we are able to recognize the sacred.
1. What are symbols?
Symbols are observable, physical realities that represent invisible qualities or elements.
Symbols help us see beyond the surface of things, to search for the deeper significance
and levels of meaning in things. In a sense, symbols are “meaning pictures” that serve as
doorways to the sacred. Symbols help us with Sacramental Awareness.
2. What does it mean to think symbolically?
To think symbolically means to take something tangible (something that we can perceive
with our senses), and put it together with something that has no material, physical form –
like an emotion or a concept or an idea.
4. What is the definition of a sign?
A sign is a general term referring to any object that represents something else. Usually
signs have only one meaning.
5. How do signs and symbols differ?
Symbols, while representing something other than their physical realities (like a sign),
have 3 main characteristics that distinguish them from simple signs.
1. Symbols may have more than one meaning. Eg. Fire – life, heat, the Holy Spirit,
Hell, Danger and Destruction. Symbols can NEVER be reduced to narrow, onedimensional meanings.
2. What symbols stand for is connected to what they are. By their very nature,
symbols have certain meanings associated with them. We do not impose
meanings on symbols. Rather we discover meanings in symbols. We discover the
vital connection between the visible object and the invisible reality that it
represents. Eg. Rock – Peter: you are the rock on which I will build my church.
The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone… I will destroy
this temple and in three days raise it up again. A rock = strong, steadfast,
unbreakable, etc. Think of 2 or 3 symbols that Jesus uses to reveal his identity as
the messiah. Explain what they mean.
3. Symbols evoke more than one kind of response for us. Signs cannot evoke a
number of different responses. Symbols can evoke a variety of responses: our
mind, body, emotions, memories, senses, spirit. Symbols spark a deeper response
from us. They connect the physical with the mental and spiritual.
Cultural vs. Universal Symbols: A cultural symbol is closely dependent on a specific
situation, place, or group. Eg: the Star of David in Judaism. Universal Symbols are
clearly recognized throughout the world. Eg: water, wind, fire are all universal symbols.
Literal Thinking: Literal thinking involves considering something only at face value or
just being concerned with the “facts.” It reduces all of life to just the observable,
measurable things – visible, measurable facts are the only valid foundation of knowledge.
Knowledge is limited to what our 5 senses can detect. Literalists look at things as objects
isolated from everything else.
Symbolic Thinking: Our emotional, intellectual, moral and spiritual experiences defy
description in literal terms. Eg. love, faith, hope, etc. The symbolic thinker sees things
in relationships to all other things and as having meaning at many levels. Symbolic
thinking helps us see the special gift found in all things, and it is an import skill if one is
to become sacramentally aware, to see God in our daily lives, and to celebrate the
sacraments with a sense of meaning and purpose. Jesus consistently used symbols
(symbolic thinking) to convey to his followers the love God has for us, His/Her mercy,
God’s promise of eternal life. Eg. The prodigal son, the Good Shepherd, Jesus is the
vine and we are the branches, etc.
Other Things to Know

You should know the 7 Sacraments and their categories. You should also be able
to describe, in detail, the sacraments, the symbols associated with them, and how
each sacrament is rooted in Jesus’ life and teachings.

I will be selecting a Bible passage which you must read and analyze. I will be
asking you a number of different questions based on the reading. The questions
will be related to the two chapters studied. Eg. What sacrament (in a broad
sense) is visible through the passage? The symbolism? Etc.