Biblical names – especially ones changed or bestowed by God – tell a story about the person to whom they belong. In today’s reading from Isaiah, the prophet tells the people of Israel that when God restores them, the name of their nation shall change from “Forsaken” to “My Delight Is In Her,” from “Desolate” to “Married” - symbolizing Israel’s relationship with God (Isa 62:2-4). It’s no coincidence that Joseph, the betrothed of Mary, receives instructions from God in dreams (Matt 1:18-25, and elsewhere); in the book of Genesis we met another Joseph who interpreted dreams and brought his family into Egypt.
Names are important to us, too. We are concerned with protecting our “good name.” We strive to “make a name” for ourselves. We agonize over picking just the right names for our children. If you were in a Bible story, what would your name mean to people? Solomon is synonymous with wisdom, Job with patience, and Methuselah with longevity. If two thousand years from now people read the story of your life, what traits would your name conjure? Are you satisfied with that image?
If yes, that’s an excellent indicator you are on the right path. If not … it’s never too late to make that name mean what you want. If you could pick a name to live up to, what would it be? Faith, Hope and Charity are names for a reason. Maybe you would choose something more literal, like “Comforts The Sick” or “Works for Justice.” What name describes the person you want to be? “Wise as Solomon” is taken, but there’s no reason people of the future couldn’t strive to be as “generous as Hector.”
What difference might it make in our personal and public lives if we started thinking of ourselves by another name, one we chose to define us? Or if we lived as though our current name already meant the thing we hope to be? New beginnings are possible at any time, but only if we are willing to let go of the limits we and the world have placed on our identities. A newly defined name, even one known only to you and God, is a good start.
Evening readings: Psalms 99; 8
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