***
Gospel: John 1:29-34
John the Baptist saw Jesus coming toward him and said,
“Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.
He is the one of whom I said,
‘A man is coming after me who ranks ahead of me
because he existed before me.’
I did not know him,
but the reason why I came baptizing with water
was that he might be made known to Israel.”
John testified further, saying,
“I saw the Spirit come down like a dove from the sky
and remain upon him.
I did not know him,
but the one who sent me to baptize with water told me,
‘On whomever you see the Spirit come down and remain,
he is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.’
Now I have seen and testified that he is the Son of God.”
The Gospel of the Lord.
***
***
Today we celebrate the Feast of the Most Holy Name of Jesus.
***
Whenever someone is given a name in the bible, it means that person has given a special mission by God.
The name, “Jesus,” for example, comes from the Hebrew name Yeshua, meaning, “to deliver or to rescue.” Thus, Jesus will “rescue” God’s people from death.
***
In the sacrament of Confirmation, we are also given a new name. It’s meant to signify either our purpose in life, or to acknowledge someone who’s inspired us on our journey of faith.
For example, my confirmation name is Francis after Saint Francis De Sales, who, wrote a book called An Introduction to the Devout Life.
He wrote this book to a fictional person named Philothea, meaning, “Lover of God.” It’s why I chose the name, Francis.
All I want to be in life is a, “lover of God.”
***
Do you have a confirmation name? Or a favorite Saint?
How does that person inspire you?
Maybe it’s Francis of Assisi, the Patron Saint of animals. Or Thérèse of Lisieux, the Patron Saint of missionaries and the sick.
***
This Feast of the Holy Name reminds that we all have a “name,” and by extension, a calling in life.
Jesus came to save us from our sins.
I’m aspiring to be a “lover of God.”.
What about you?
***
***
Image credits: (1) Reston Bible Church (2) CatholicArt, Pinterest (3) oneintheirhearts.com, WordPress
“Lover of God” is the best namesake to desire!!! Love the picture of the child Jesus in this sermon. Very good stuff, Father. Keep up the good work you are doing. It matters, and I am praying for you.