Name

           

‘And he called his name Jesus’ Mt 1: 25

            The name giving ceremony in any culture is of significant value. I have heard that in a name lies the mission of the child. Some may argue ‘What’s in a name?’ In a name is a person’s self-image, mission to be accomplished and most of all identity. Hence it can be said that a name is very dear to a person and on being fooled may cause deep damage to a person’s self-image and esteem. Another point to be noticed is that whenever we meet a new person we ask his/ her name and then try to fix the photo and other features of the person in our mind.

            I still remember that in earlier times children were named after saints. This made the child realize that s/ he had a mission in life to complete. I believe that some families are still carrying on that system of naming their children after saints. Care has to be taken while naming a child because a person will be called by that name throughout his/ her life. One must feel good and accepted when ones name is taken or called out. When parents give a name to the child, they must also take into due consideration the effect of it on the child in the future (A good name will call for respect while a funny name will only call for jokes and teasing).

            When a person is not accepted or made fun of, due to his/ her name, that person goes into some kind of identity crisis. Hence we see people changing their names (not always) and making an official notice about it in a newspaper. All human beings like their names to be taken in the context of good deeds done, achievements achieved and the list goes on and on. To put in a simple way, all of us like to preserve our good name.

            Coming to the naming of the Son of God, I must really praise the way in which it took place. The angel appeared to Joseph in a dream and told him that the child has to be named ‘Jesus’. From the life of Jesus it is very clear that He was very clear or rather He had a clear picture about his mission. He knew very well why He had come down to earth and He achieved it before returning to the Father. Jesus was very firm in His convictions and held on to His beliefs in the times of criticism and backbiting by the Pharisees and others.

            In conclusion I would say that a name is not only about honor, prestige and power but also about ones mission on earth which has to be discovered with the help of God. Let us then respect each other by respecting each other’s name and know and live by the mission entrusted to each one of us.