The word symbol comes from the Greek work symbolon, which literally means to put two things next to each other, in order to compare or contrast. Joseph Campbell, the great mythologist, wrote that symbols exist in order to give us a "sense" of things that are, by definition, unknowable. So as we look at the symbols of Christ (rock, light, water, lamb, bread, etc.) we can look at how each one provides a sense of His nature. In John 6 Christ gives the great sermon on the Bread of Life. Bookending that sermon are two remarkable miracles: the feeding of five thousand men (along with perhaps as many or more women and children) and Christ's walk across the Sea of Galilee.
If we take the symbol of bread seriously, we are reminded of how Jesus instructed us to pray "give us this day our daily bread." And here He reveals that He is that bread that we need. The nutritional pyramid tells us that grains are our most basic food, and recommends 6-11 servings per day. Are we getting our minimum daily requirement when it comes to the Bread of Life? Do we have at least six servings of the Savior every day? No wonder we are feeling weak and sluggish ~ we are spiritually malnourished! It may be time to up our intake of scripture, podcasts, recordings, and any other ways that the Savior's love can be communicated. We might mention Him more in our conversations with our children and friends. We might pray a bit more. Every one needs that spiritual MDR every day.
Christ walking on the water and lifting Peter up when he began to sink reminds us that we are often drowning in our own doubts, worries, and concerns. When we look down we fear, and we begin to sink. Eastern philosophy provides an interesting exercise to help us when we are sinking under worries, fears, and negativity. It is called the process of inquiry. When negative, fearful thoughts engulf us, we acknowledge them, but we also question them. We ask ourselves, what if the opposite is actually true? We can ask the Savior to help us see the big picture instead of our narrow view.
A great example of this expanded view was offered by Ben Breedlove, a young man with a brief but impressive life who left a video that shared his faith in heaven and angels. This little video, made three days before his death, has been viewed by over 12 million people. People want to believe, because their spirits know the truth, even if they have been taught do doubt and fear. So we might ask ourselves, how can I bring more of the Savior's peace into my daily concerns?
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