RIVERSIDE REFLECTIONS: icons

In the wake of his death, Pope John Paul II has intrigued me greatly. What was it about this man that drew so many’s love and adoration? What was it about this man that captivated the ears and hearts of so many around the globe? Naturally, I turned to a book: Witness to Hope. It is the closest thing there is to an “official” biography and it was re-released with a special preface following His Holiness’ death.



The first thing I noted was that this man was, above all else, a pastor. He was unique in this respect. For centuries, the position of Bishop of Rome was synonymous with CEO of the Church. But Carol Wojtyla’s call was to be a pastor. At every step, he was a pastor. The only difference was that his parish became larger.



It seems that central to his identity as a pastor is the concept of “icon.” So many hear icon and think of an odd form of Christian art. Many love it for its beauty, many love it for its spirituality, and many hate it because they do not understand it. But icons were so much more for JP2. For instance, in his thought, the marital relationship – especially as it is expressed in sexual union – is an icon of God the Holy Trinity.



In a protestant world where we struggle to find appropriate language for the mysteries of God, perhaps resurrecting this concept of “icon” would be helpful. What do we do with things that capture the mystery of God in such a way as to reveal God to us: the birth of a child, the changing color of leaves in the fall, a marriage or a funeral, ordination. What do we do with those things that are “outward signs of inward grace and a means by which receive the same” but lack Christ’s endorsement? that are private? that don’t qualify as sacraments for one reason or another?



They are icons. They are things so infused with God’s grace that their very image ushers us into the presence of Almighty God, connects us mysteriously to God, and in so doing infuses us with grace to live another day.

Are you an icon to those around you?