The mystery of the Names

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season: Twenty Third Week : Tuesday*

*Gospel : Lk 6:12-19*

*First Reading : 1 Cor 6:1-11*

*Responsorial Psalm : Ps 149:1b-2, 3-4, 5-6a and 9b*

*The mystery of the Names*

*1) The Name List*

The Gospel of the day presents to us the names of the apostles 

There are 12 Apostles and twelve names are given 

This is not a casual list of names but these names have special significance not only to the life of apostles but also to our life 

In fact names take us to a new world, which explores the richness of names and personality 

*2) Names represents the image*

When some name is heard, immediately the image of the person comes to our mind

The face, the smile, the height, the colour and other bodily features of the person 

In other words the entire image is hidden in the image 

*3) Names and the identity*

Names also carry with it the identity of the person 

We have a set of Christian names. The moment we hear the names we are able to identify whether he/she is Christian or not 

Names a special significance in identifing ones religion 

*4) Names a the profession*

Names also carry with it the identity of ones profession

Father, Sister, Doctor, lawyer, these give special significance to ones names 

Some people are known by the name of their profession

This is the power of the names 

*5) Names and History*

Names also carry with the the History of the person 

When we hear the name Hitler, the history of his cruelty comes to our mind 

The name of Mother Theresa, brings the history of Service, the history of the  revolution of her love to the humanity comes in 

*6) The Name Peter and Judas*

The name Peter brings to our mind, His call while fishing, his three years of life with Jesus, the denial of Peter, the cry of Peter, the Leader of the Apostles, the first pope of the Church and the great leader of the Church. Everything is found in the name 

The name Judas, reminds us, the betrayal, the suicide and Villain character of Judas. 

*7) Names positivity and Negativity*

Certain names bring to our mind positive thoughts. For example Jesus, Mother Mary, pope Francis 

Some names bring to our mind negativity. Example Nero, Herod, Pilot etc 

*8) Names have power*

This power either because of the position one enjoys in the society

More than this some names have spiritual power, whose names bring about healing and peace 

So names a healing power 

The world of names is tremendous. It opens a new universe behind one name 

If so what is the significance of my Name? 

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*