WORDS FROM FATHER YOHANES: To Unite or To Divide

By Father Yohanes Akoit

There are two movements that we have in our faith and in our Church. In simple terms, these two movements are called: getting closer to God or to the Church, and going away from God or the Church. In theological discourse, these two movements are called Symbolon and Diabolos. And to understand their meaning and implications, we can begin with their etymology, which then helps us draw out their meaning and relevance.

Symbolon is a Greek word. It comes from syn, meaning “together” or “with,” and ballo, meaning “to throw, put, or place.” So literally, Symbolon means “to throw together” or “to put together.” The word Diabolos also comes from Greek. It has two components: Dia, meaning “across” or “between,” and ballo, meaning “to throw, cast, or put.” So literally, Diabolos means “to throw across” or “to throw between.” From this etymology, we come to know the popular and theological meaning of Diabolos: it refers to a force that destroys relationships by creating division. Whereas Symbolon refers to something that reconnects what has been separated. These two movements are seen clearly in the Bible. First, let us take the example of how Jesus was tempted for forty days and nights in the wilderness. The evil spirit tried its best to separate Jesus from God. The devil persuaded Jesus to turn away from God’s plan of saving human life. Here we see the aspect of Diabolos: the devil creates division to destroy the relationship between Jesus and God. Another example can be seen in the life of Judas Iscariot. The evil spirit tempted him, and as a result he separated himself from Jesus and the other apostles. The relationship between Judas and the other apostles was destroyed. The unity they had built was ruined at that moment.

Second, the same example of Symbolon can be found in the Gospel as well. Just remember the story of the prodigal son. For a moment he was separated from his father and elder brother, but the incident of starving brought him back and united him again with his family. Here, the aspect of Symbolon is seen clearly. The incident of starving becomes the element that reconnects what has been separated. The incident is nothing but the way God calls back the lost one. Another example can be seen in the story of the two disciples who made their journey to Emmaus. God changed their minds and united them again with the other disciples. And as a result, they were able to continue their mission in serving God.

The meaning of Symbolon and Diabolos can become the possible foundation for reading the Gospel of the Twenty‑Second Sunday in Ordinary Time (Matthew 16:21-27). There, we see how Jesus scolded Peter with strong words. Jesus said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are an obstacle to me. This happened because Peter tried to block Jesus from doing God’s will. It was a Diabolos, and Jesus did not tolerate it. That is why He scolded Peter.

Therefore, by reading the Gospel above and reflecting on it through the lens of Symbolon and Diabolos, then it becomes a reminder for us. The Gospel reminds us that we too have the tendency to be away from the Church and from God. The aspect of Diabolos still exists in our time and daily life. It can happen or affect us because of the work of the evil spirit, our packed schedules that create no space for God, our laziness, hardened hearts, and more. All of these aspects can be a Diabolos for us. So, the Gospel invites us to overcome the Diabolos aspect that we have in life, and at the same time create more space and opportunity to be closer to God.

Father Yohanes Akoit is pastor of St. Julian and St. Anthony Catholic churches in Kentucky.