Why do humans crave tangible expressions of their faith? From the mark of ashes on foreheads to the kippah on a Jewish man's head, religious symbols offer powerful reminders of our spiritual commitments in a physical world.

Our conversation begins with Ash Wednesday and its curious popularity - it's not a day of obligation for Catholics, yet churches overflow with attendees seeking the traditional mark of ashes. Father Mario humorously describes "A&P Catholics" who attend only on Ash Wednesday and Palm Sunday, sparking a deeper discussion about what drives people to participate in these visible rituals.

The panel unpacks the meaning behind Lent's 40 days of fasting and reflection. Rather than punishment, this penitential season offers liberation from modern distractions that separate us from spiritual awareness. Rudy shares how fasting from comforts - whether food, social media, or entertainment - creates space for reconnection with what truly matters, while helping us empathize with those who suffer daily deprivation.

When Rabbi Stuart explains the kippah as a physical reminder of God's presence, the conversation expands to how religious symbols across traditions serve as tangible expressions of spiritual relationships. From crosses around necks to turbans worn by Sikhs, these embodied practices reflect a universal human need for physical reminders of transcendent realities.

David offers a profound insight: "None of us have ever seen a human being that didn't have a body." Our religious symbols acknowledge that faith isn't merely conceptual but lived through our physical experiences. The archeological evidence Rudy shares suggests humans have sought symbolic expressions of spiritual meaning since our earliest history.

Listen as our professor, priest, millennial and rabbi find surprising common ground in understanding how these outward expressions of faith help us navigate our mortality while connecting us to eternal truths. What symbols matter in your spiritual journey?