The Name of Jesus

Today’s Gospel Text: John said to him, "Teacher, we saw a man casting out demons in your name, and we forbade him, because he was not following us." 39 But Jesus said, "Do not forbid him; for no one who does a mighty work in my name will be able soon after to speak evil of me. 40 For he that is not against us is for us. 41 For truly, I say to you, whoever gives you a cup of water to drink because you bear the name of Christ, will by no means lose his reward. 42 "Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him if a great millstone were hung round his neck and he were thrown into the sea. 43 And if your hand causes you to sin, cut it off; it is better for you to enter life maimed than with two hands to go to hell, to the unquenchable fire. 45 And if your foot causes you to sin, cut it off; it is better for you to enter life lame than with two feet to be thrown into hell. 47 And if your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out; it is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than with two eyes to be thrown into hell, 48 where their worm does not die, and the fire is not quenched. Mark 9:38-43, 45, 47-48

Reflection: A good tree not only gives fruit, but could have many uses too, no part of the tree goes wasted. Even if the main purpose of planting the tree could be its fruit but besides giving shade to a passerby, the fruit can be used for a variety of purposes, the seeds to too can be used as edible oil, the bark and leaves could be used as fodder or as a medicinal herb or for other useful purposes.

Similarly, one of the main purpose of Jesus’ coming was to make disciples of all nations, yet his reach is far and wide to all sorts of people who are open to his action and power.

Even the wicked and the evil may make use of his name for personal glory and power, if they do not repent then it is only to face the judgment on the last day; “On that day many will say to me, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?' And then will I declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from me, you evildoers.” Matt 7:22-23

Hence of the many who  would be using his name, there will be some who maybe for Christ or against him or maybe seeing his power change and turn to him, repenting of whatever wrong they may have done.

The wheat and the weed has to exist and grow together:  “...lest in gathering the weeds you root up the wheat along with them. Let both grow together until the harvest.” Matt 13:29-30

It is a lesson for each one of us not to take the generosity of God for granted, in fact, “..to every one who has will more be given, and he will have abundance; but from him who has not, even what he has will be taken away.” Matt 25:29

Prayer: Lord, as I seek to be your instrument, following you as a disciple, may I be found worthy of your calling and not be found lacking on that day.

DD = Dedicated Discipleship:  Come grow in the Lord with us

We wish to see Jesus

Scripture/Bible: Now among those who went up to worship at the feast were some Greeks. 21 So these came to Philip, who was from Beth-sa'ida in Galilee, and said to him, "Sir, we wish to see Jesus." 22 Philip went and told Andrew; Andrew went with Philip and they told Jesus. 23 And Jesus answered them, "The hour has come for the Son of man to be glorified. 24 Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. 25 He who loves his life loses it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. 26 If any one serves me, he must follow me; and where I am, there shall my servant be also; if any one serves me, the Father will honor him. 27 "Now is my soul troubled. And what shall I say? 'Father, save me from this hour'? No, for this purpose I have come to this hour. 28 Father, glorify thy name." Then a voice came from heaven, "I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again." 29 The crowd standing by heard it and said that it had thundered. Others said, "An angel has spoken to him." 30 Jesus answered, "This voice has come for your sake, not for mine. 31 Now is the judgment of this world, now shall the ruler of this world be cast out; 32 and I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to myself." 33 He said this to show by what death he was to die. John 12:20-33

Reflection: Recently there was a news article in one of the web based Catholic news magazine about the importance of having Christian names.  The article complained bitterly about the attitude of giving local and meaningless names to children when baptized.

In the Gospel we have an example of an apostle of Jesus with a Greek name; Philip, which means lover of horses.  This could be the reason why these Greek approach Philip and request him for an audience to see Jesus. Though, ultimately Philip had to approach Andrew in order to do so.

Jesus a Jew may have never insisted on Philip having a Jewish name and the fact that Jesus addressed this issue in Simon and gave him the name Peter, yet he never gave a thought to changing Phillips’s name is a proof of that.

“What’s in a name?” said William Shakespeare.  But surely there is something, we see Philip may have been approached by the Greeks, in order to see Jesus, on account of his Greek name.

Similarly, a name may not mean much but a good, sound name always counts and parents must take great care in choosing the name of their children.  Even seeking God’s wisdom in all prayer and discernment, rather than opting for fanciful names which carry no meaning. One normally chooses a saint or a holy person’s name so that the child grows up by taking the Holy one as role model and may have the intercession and support of the concerned saint.

But of much more significance would be if the parent, whatever name they may give their child, ultimately trains them to be a witness of Christ. So that just as the Greeks approach Philip, likewise as they grow up others too may approach them and ask them; "Sir, we wish to see Jesus."

A name may not matter much in comparison to how one responds to God’s call, which is irrespective of our name or background and how one submits to what he has to do with us and our name.   

Similarly, how we take them to Jesus is not the problem, whether through the intercession of St. Andrew or the other saints or Angels or with Mary as our mother or it could be with the help of common friends and dedicated disciples of Jesus; as long as one is an instrument to lead them to see Jesus.

Prayer:  “A good name is better than precious ointment”, Help me to be one by using me as your instrument.  (cfr. Eccl 7:1)

DD = Dedicated Discipleship:  Come grow in the Lord with us