When a married couple expects a child, one of the first things they prepare, upon knowing the gender of the child, is the child’s name. In many cultures a name was not only something one is to be called by or known but ultimately sets out what one is be or do in life.
In the Scriptures we see a number of people whose names were changed to suit their new roles. God changed the name of Abram to Abraham. Simon was re-named Peter to indicate his role as the foundation rock of the Church of Christ. Saul who persecuted the early Christians was re-named Paul, meaning small, to indicate the need for humility. Until now the Bishops of Rome, the successors of St. Peter as head of the Catholic Church, choose a new name upon their election by the College of Cardinals.
When Elizabeth said her child was to be named John, her relatives objected because no one in her family bore that name. The mute Zechariah confirmed that his son was to be named John and, penalized with being unable to speak for his disbelief at the angel’s revelation to him, was rewarded by regaining his speech: “My words will come true in their time. But you would not believe and now you will be silent and unable to speak until this has happened.” (Lk 1:19b – 20)
People were in awe at all these happenings: “‘What will this child be?’ For they understood that the hand of the Lord was with him.”
Do I know what my name means? Do I know how my parents chose this name for me? Have I lived up to what is expected of someone with my name? Or to what my parents hoped for me?
