GOSPEL MESSAGE & RECORDING
In the Gospel reading today we encounter the birth of John the Baptist. At the time of his birth, his family members and even friends of the family were present. The question that arises is, “what should we name the newborn?” Elizabeth, the newborn's mother, wanted him to be named John, but the others stated that ‘no one among the relatives was named John.’ This is so because it is the tradition of the east to name the baby after a relative. For example, I was named Gheevarghese, after my uncle.
In antiquity, naming a baby had meaning behind it. For example, Zacharias means: "The Lord has remembered." The name John is a Hebrew means: “Jehovah has been gracious; has shown favor.” There was a great degree of forbearance attached to someone’s name. For instance, Zacharias is the one the Lord remembered in his old age and gave him and his wife with a child. John is the sign of God’s grace and favor toward Zacharias and Elizabeth. In a way, names became a sort of “code” as to the destiny and purpose of a person’s life.
When our children were born there was probably a great deal of thought that went into naming them. For instance, we most likely considered the cultural relevance and religious significance of the name. It might even be true that we explored the meaning of the name. However, I would submit that at present, unlike the past in the time of the Bible, a person’s name does not have a great degree of forbearance upon their destiny and purpose. The names in the past were more intentional in its meaning.
This movement in history, in regards to names, especially in the context of Christian development, shows us that we acquire the meaning of our names by the way we live. For example, Gregorious was a “regular” or “ordinary” name given to a bishop; but it was after Parumala Thirumeni’s life of holiness that the name Gregorious became associated with holiness and greatness. Even those bishops that came after Parumala Thirumeni, who was named Gregorious, were great in their own right. Names have a profound tendency to take on a new life because of the person (and the life they live) who bears it. For instance, Nina was an ordinary name. Until St. Nina, who is considered “equal to the apostles,” evangelized what is present-day the country Georgia in the 4th century.
I submit to us today, that our names that were given to us having meaning, but the greater meaning is still to be written. We define the meaning of our name! We have the ability to determine our destiny and purpose in our lives! When people hear our name, what meaning are they associating it with? In other words, what definition are we giving our name, in this time in history, in the context of where we live, work and pray?
We define the meaning of our name: At our workplace, when people hear our name, what meaning are they applying? Reputation matters a great deal in the meaning that we build up for our name. St. Paul clearly teaches that reputation matters. When deacons were chosen, it was first and foremost important for the Apostle that the future deacons were of “good reputation.” This is even the case at church and in the community. When people hear our name what definition are they attaching to it? No matter where we are doing people consider us a person of honor, dedication, honesty, and good character?
It is never too late to change our meaning: Due to past occurrences and circumstances, our meaning might not be as good as we want it to be. But it is never too late to change that. God is a God that gives us chance after chance to redefine our name. Despite our past sins and follies, we can push forward and slowly change the meaning of our name. It takes time and effort, but with God’s grace, anything is possible.