NAME / NAMING
The Significance of Names in the Bible and Catholic Tradition
Names hold profound significance in the Bible and Christian tradition. They are not merely labels but encapsulate the essence, identity, and mission of individuals. In Hebrew culture, a name was synonymous with a person’s worth, character, reputation, authority, will, or ownership. This understanding is deeply rooted in the Scriptures, where the name of a person or God is imbued with deep meaning and power.
Biblical Significance of Names
In the Bible, names often represent the very essence of a person. For instance, in Revelation 3:4, the name of a person stands for that individual, and the name of the Lord stands for God or Jesus Himself (Prov 16:10; Ps 18:49; 86:12; Mal 3:16; Mt 10:22; 19:29; Jn 3:18). This profound connection between names and identity is evident throughout biblical narratives.
Various Aspects of Naming in the Bible
1. Forgetting God’s Name: To forget God’s name was equivalent to deviating from Him (Jer 23:27).
2. Ownership: Naming something indicated ownership (Gen 1:5, 8, 10; 2:19-20; 2 Sam 12:28; Am 9:12).
3. Authority: Speaking or writing in someone’s name signified authority (Ex 5:23; 1 Kgs 21:8).
4. Representation: Acting in someone’s name meant representing that person (Deut 25:6).
5. Destruction: Blemishing someone’s name was akin to destroying that person (Deut 9:14; 2 Kgs 14:27; Isa 14:22; Rev 3:5).
6. Reputation and Character: A name signifies a person’s reputation (Mk 6:14; Rev 3:1) and character (Eccl 7:1; Mt 6:9).
7. Revelation of God: Christ revealed the Father’s name, making God known to humanity (Jn 17:26).
8. Belief in Christ: To believe in the name of Christ is to believe in His person (Jn 1:12; 2:23).
9. Gathering in Jesus’ Name: Gathering in Jesus’ name means gathering in His mind, will, and purpose (Mt 18:20).
In the Name of Jesus
At the Last Supper, Jesus emphasized the power of His name, stating, “whatever you ask in my name, I will do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son” (Jn 14:13). This underscores the authority and power vested in Jesus’ name, which Christians invoke in prayer. However, prayers in Jesus’ name should reflect the spirit of Jesus’ prayer in Gethsemane: “not as I will, but as you will” (Mt 26:39).
Naming by God
While parents typically name their children, there are exceptional cases in the Bible where God names individuals before their birth, signifying their special mission. Examples include Ishmael (Gen 16:11), Isaac (Gen 17:19), Jezreel (Hos 1:4), Lo-Ruhamah (Hos 1:6), Lo-Ammi (Hos 1:9), Jesus (Mt 1:21; Lk 1:31), and John (Lk 1:13). Additionally, God changed the names of key figures to reflect their new identity and mission, such as Abram to Abraham (Gen 17:5), Sarai to Sarah (Gen 17:15), Jacob to Israel (Gen 32:28; 35:10), Solomon to Jedidiah (2 Sam 12:24-25), and Simon to Peter (Mt 16:17-18).
Catholic Tradition of Naming
In Catholic tradition, the significance of names is also profound. At baptism, the celebrant names the child on behalf of God, marking the beginning of the child’s covenantal relationship with God. This tradition often involves choosing a saint’s name, providing the child with a spiritual patron to intercede on their behalf and serve as a model of Christian virtue.
REFLECTION
As Christians, our names are a testament to our identity in Christ. At baptism, we are named and claimed by God, entering into a sacred covenant. This naming signifies our new life in Christ and our call to live out our faith. Reflecting on our baptismal names and the virtues of our patron saints can inspire us to embody those virtues in our daily lives.
In a world where names can often be seen as mere labels, let us remember the profound significance they hold in our faith. Our names are a reminder of our identity in Christ, our mission, and our relationship with God. Let us strive to live up to the names we bear, honoring God in all that we do.
Our names, given at baptism, are more than identifiers; they symbolize our Christian vocation and our personal mission in the world. Each time we recall our name, let it remind us of our call to live as disciples of Christ, embodying His love, compassion, and truth. Let us honor the names we bear, living faithfully in a way that brings glory to God and furthers His kingdom on earth.