Old Symbols, New Meanings?

In last week’s Shalom article I showed how our clenched fist acquired new meanings.

FIFTY-ONE fishermen’s clenched fist and mine made a mutual but gentle knuckle strike after saying, “I bless you, your family and SMC pump boat in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.”

Their responses: Catholics, who were in the majority, and Protestants, slightly smaller in number, answered with the same Amen signifying “Thank you” or “So be it”. The Muslim just gestured back with a slight head bow which could be interpreted as respectful agreement. Then I ended the blessing ritual by inviting everyone to pray the Hail Mary (Mariam to Muslims).

What I write here claiming to interpret the meanings of Muslims’ responses is not the fruit of interreligious dialogue. It is an expression of personal feelings as a result of long friendship with Muslims. So the new meanings are personal and truly mine. I am not sure if the Muslims in Baganga would agree. That’s why there should be dialogue. I will have to discuss this afterward with our KDI community organizers. But before that takes place, there is an immediate important question: Why create new meanings?

Well, the Government’s interagency committees composed of military and health professionals have to give words and expressions common to their profession, often unknown to ordinary people, to communicate their directives. These are people who create new meanings to old symbols. And the ulterior motive is to save and protect the lives of people from Covid-19. We thank them and follow their directives.