'His name is John'
Gospel Luke 1: 57-66
When the time arrived for Elizabeth to have her child
she gave birth to a son.
Her neighbors and relatives heard
that the Lord had shown his great mercy toward her,
and they rejoiced with her.
When they came on the eighth day to circumcise the child,
they were going to call him Zechariah after his father,
but his mother said in reply,
“No. He will be called John.”
But they answered her,
“There is no one among your relatives who has this name.”
So they made signs, asking his father what he wished him to be called.
He asked for a tablet and wrote, “John is his name,”
and all were amazed.
Immediately his mouth was opened, his tongue freed,
and he spoke blessing God.
Then fear came upon all their neighbors,
and all these matters were discussed
throughout the hill country of Judea.
All who heard these things took them to heart, saying,
“What, then, will this child be?
For surely the hand of the Lord was with him.”
The Gift I Am Called
by Edwin Soriano
What are you called? What is your name? And what does it mean?
Many people don’t know what their name means. Let’s help you discover (or create!) meaning for your name.
I met a guy named “Raymund” who was a nurse and passionate about elderly care. I told him: For the people you serve, you’re a Ray of sunshine in their world (mundo).
I met a lady named “Dawn”, very flamboyant and advocating for inclusion and diversity. I said: your name has the same letters as “wand”. Like a magic wand, you help people’s dreams come true!
A lady said her name is Chantel. I told her that “El” means “God”, Like in the names of archangels Daniel, Gabriel, Michael. Chantel, by your name, by your words, you can chant the name of God.
Choose the meaning of your name. Afterall, when you say: “I am___(your name)___” you also make a declaration of who you are: strong, kind, friendly … or whatever meaning you choose for your name.
One time I met a bank teller who had a name tag that read: “Grace Ego”. I asked her how she pronounces her name. She appeared embarrassed and did not respond to my question. Afterall, you could imagine what kind of meaning she had for a surname like “Ego”.
I shared with her this reflection: “Do you know that there’s a phrase in a Philippine dialect that says “ara’y igo” which means “hindi kasya” (literally: “doesn’t fit”). “Igo” means “kasya” (it fits), or in English it can mean “enough”.
I exclaimed, “your name means: ‘Grace is enough’! “
She REPLIED with tears saying “Sir, pinaiyak niyo naman ako”, overwhelmed by discovering a new meaning for her name.
In the background of today’s reading, Zechariah was made mute when he doubted the angel who prophesied the birth of John the Baptist. When Zechariah embraced that their newborn son’s name is “John”, “Immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue set free, and he began to speak, praising God.” (Luke 1:64)
Do you feel restrained, held back, not able to express your gifts in the world. Perhaps you are doubting the messages of the Lord being given to you. Maybe you are doubting what the Lord calls you to.
Listen to God’s voice and discover what He calls you to.
Activity: Seek out meaning in the name you’ve been given. Here are some tips:
a.) Google search for your name(s). Discover the etymology of your name.
b.) ASK your parents why they gave you this name. Find meaning in it.
c.) IF you were named after a grandfather or maybe a popular person, FIND OUT their story, seek out the good characteristics that you may choose to make your own.
d.) ASK your friends to help you discover new meaning in your name.
Your name is a gift.
The meaning you choose for your name is your gift to God.
What does God call you to? Embrace it!
Prayer
Lord, you call me by name. May I embrace a renewed meaning in my life so I may glorify you through my daily actions and interactions.
Gift for Jesus
Discover new meaning in your name, in your life. Make it an offering to the Lord.
Edwin Soriano is a Life Coach and a Mind Mentor for Quality Mind. He helps business leaders magnify their impact through empowering mindsets and heartsets.
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