A name is a powerful reality. A name so often embodies who a person is. At the same time a name is used by others to define who a person is. From the moment a child is conceived the naming process begins ... the future Mom and Dad begin considering what name shall be given to their child. Twice we know that God intervened in the naming of a yet to be born child: John the Baptist and Jesus.
In today second reading, St Paul reflects on the power of the name of Jesus: "... and bestowed on him the name which is above every name." It is a name that was given to the young preacher because he would sacrifice his life in obedience to the Father’s will.
"Jesus." This is the name that has been used to cast out demons. "Jesus." This is the name invoked to bring about miracles. The name "Jesus" possessed such power that Paul would write "that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, of those in heaven and on the earth and under the earth.
Two questions arise: First, how often do we recognize the power in Jesus’ name? Second, how often do we afford Jesus’ name the respect such a powerful name should receive? These two questions might express whether or not we bend the knee of our hearts and minds in respect, admiration and gratitude.
Let me share with you a reflective moment from a young lady who is currently studying theology at a mid-western Jesuit university:
When we hold something sacred and close to our heart, we do not want it belittled or tarnished by everyday use or by using it in offensiveness. If we truly hold what our Savior did for us as something valued and divine, then we should do everything in our power to honor that gift. We should not be afraid to change our ways or to even ask others around us to change theirs. If we undeniably believe in our Jesus and His life, then every moment of our lives should be a testimony to that, especially in the words we use and the way in which we react to the words around us.
When we hold something sacred and close to our heart, we do not want it belittled or tarnished by everyday use or by using it in offensiveness. If we truly hold what our Savior did for us as something valued and divine, then we should do everything in our power to honor that gift. We should not be afraid to change our ways or to even ask others around us to change theirs. If we undeniably believe in our Jesus and His life, then every moment of our lives should be a testimony to that, especially in the words we use and the way in which we react to the words around us.
This junior in college challenges all to consider whether or not we afford due respect to the name of Jesus in our own lives. Hers is a call for respect for a name that has championed a love and care. "Jesus" is a name that has touched the lives of men and women through the centuries. "Jesus" is a name for which crusading men went to battle. When truly understood for all the mystery it contains, it is a name to which humankind not only bends a knee but willingly bows in adoration because this name is the name given to the Son of God, the savior of humankind.
