"Why did God/Jesus sometimes change a person's name in the Bible?"
Name changes in our scriptures often mark profound turning points in one’s journey of faith and establish a new identity. Abraham (Abram), became "father of a multitude," Sarah (Sarai) became “mother of nations,” Peter (Simon) became “the Rock” and of course the dramatic story of how Saul went from his great Hebrew kingly name to the self-effacing gentile name of Paul, which means “small” in Greek, to mark his becoming a humble servant of Christ to the gentiles. We are told Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio was very purposeful when choosing his Papal name of Francis…
Being called by our name also satisfies our shared deep human longing to belong. Genuine “affection, tenderness, compassion and care rarely happen in the nameless, faceless abstract. Our Christian tradition speaks not of a distant, aloof deity far removed from our daily existence but of a incarnate, living, loving, communal God—a mysterious God beyond all names, who chose to take a name, Jesus, and so enter into an intimate relationship with all of creation.” (Kramer, America Magazine) We are comforted when Jesus identifies himself as the Good Shepherd who knows each of “his own” by name, and feel affirmed when God says “I have called you by name: you are mine” ( Is 43:1). Being called by our name helps us feel like we belong, like we are more than just another cog in the wheel, just a number, but rather a unique and valued part of the whole.
Next weekend in Fr. Joe’s “State of the Parish” address he will introduce a new idea; requesting that each and every CTR member (including the kiddos) purchase permanent, reusable, magnetic nametags and wear them each time we come to CTR for Mass or any other event so that we may grow deeper in our relationships and common union with one another. This practice of regularly using nametags was profoundly effective in fostering connectedness at my previous parish. It was SUCH an IMMENSE relief to finally have everyone’s name at a glance - because it’s really awkward and embarrassing to not know someone’s name after sitting next to them at Mass for the past 15 years! (I’m rather sure I’m not alone in this predicament).
Some expressed reservations that nametags will make for an “insider/outsider” feeling in our community. This was a serious concern at my last parish too (that we researched and debated for an exceptionally long time), but virtually everyone agreed after 6 months of regularly using the nametags that the effect was quite the opposite. Not only were we able to address one another by name but we were also better able to recognize and welcome any newcomers – so this new “nametag initiative” goes hand-in-hand with our new welcoming efforts! Our parish staff & council both think it’s worth a try, and we sincerely hope you agree…
To order your CTR nametag ($6.50 each) go to: www.naagtag.com/christtheredeemer
When prompted, choose "Option 1" (which simply means it’s NOT a rush order) and if you order before March 31st the shipping cost will be waived! Choose "Customer Pick-Up" as the method of shipping (even though it says Salt Lake Area only). Paypal/Credit Cards accepted. After April 1st there will be an extra $4.50 in shipping cost. If you have any questions call Kirby Bayles at 1800-242-6224 or email sales@naagtag.com.
Based on my experience and all the research we did at my last parish, I can say with a very high degree of confidence that if we all back this idea and get on board - after just a few short months of regular use - the results will be quite positive and noticeable!
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