January 1st: The Holy Name of Our Lord Jesus Christ

Today's Scripture Readings

Numbers 6:22-27 (NRSV)

The LORD spoke to Moses, saying: Speak to Aaron and his sons, saying, Thus you shall bless the Israelites: You shall say to them,

The LORD bless you and keep you;

the LORD make his face to shine upon you, and be gracious to you;

the LORD lift up his countenance upon you, and give you peace.

So they shall put my name on the Israelites, and I will bless them. 

Psalm 8 (BCP., p.582)


Philippians 2:5-11 (Common English Bible)

Adopt the attitude that was in Christ Jesus:

Though he was in the form of God,
   he did not consider being equal
     with God something to exploit.
But he emptied himself
    by taking the form of a slave
    and by becoming like human beings.
When he found himself
  in the form of a human,
    he humbled himself by becoming
     Obedient to the point of death,
   even death on a cross.
Therefore, god highly honored him
   and gave him a name above all names,
  so that at the name of Jesus everyone
   in heaven, on earth,
     and under the earth might bow
   and every tongue confess
      that Jesus Christ is Lord,
        to the glory of God the Father.

 
Luke 2:15-21 (NRSV)

When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us." So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger. When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child; and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them. After eight days had passed, it was time to circumcise the child; and he was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.

Blog reflection

2013 was a year that I had a serious conversation with God, myself and my Abbot about what name I would take when I was Clothed as a Novice.  Indeed, Philip a nice name.   I wrote quite a bit about my reasons for taking the name Anselm in my blog post: The Prayer of St. Anselm: Why I Took His Name.

A name has a powerful impact on our lives.  Each of us are called by our name, by God.  There is a sense of identity and purpose.  Many of the authors who have written their autobiography, write about what pride they might bring to their families name. 

In the time that Jesus was born, the giving of the boy's name was at the circumcision of the son eight days after birth.  His name at that point, linked the boy to the covenant of Abraham.  It gave them a sense of belonging to the Jewish Faith.  Many who worship God through the Jewish Religion, still practice circumcision as an important part of their Faith.  Jesus identified as a Jew.  He was born of the House of David.

There have been many names throughout history that have been so influential to humankind.  Every American knows the names of George Washington and Abraham Lincoln.  The mere mention of Judy Garland brings back The Wizard of Oz and Somewhere Over the Rainbow.  Say the name Angela Lansbury and we remember Murder She Wrote.  Whatever these names do to us, there is no Name that has shaped the course of Salvation History as the Name Jesus Christ.   The influence and use of that Name is so widespread, that it brings with it, any number of responses.

As Christians, the Holy Name of Jesus Christ is the human face of God in our world.   The Word Incarnate that we began celebrating eight days ago, came into our world as God made human.  The Holy Name should bring a sense of reverence, respect and acceptance of others in His Name.  His Holy Name should also make us pause in prayer, with adoration, praise and honor.  The Name in and of itself, however, should also make us stop with contemplation about the words from Philippians 2:5-11 that I took from the Common English Bible today.  He was equal to God, but "he did not consider being equal to God something to exploit.  But he emptied himself...."   He was God who came to serve us in Christ.  Not to exist as tyrant God who would judge us all for things we've done, said or thought.  The judgement of God through the Holy Name of Jesus Christ was the Cross by which our sins are forgiven, and all scapegoating in God's Name comes to an end.

There are many who continue to complain about others taking the Holy Name of Jesus in vain, every time they scream some horrible word after they accidentally slam their fingers with a hammer, or spill their coffee.  However, we seem to think nothing of using the Holy Name of Jesus Christ to oppress women, people of different races, sexual orientations, gender identities/expressions, diverse languages, religions, etc.  I think using the Holy Name of Jesus Christ as a reason to scapegoat any person for any reason is a far more severe misuse of His Name.    The difference is, one is used to express distress, human frailty and our clumsiness.   The other is a result of our human frailty, yes, but it is out of ignorance and a resistance to learn the truth about those who call ourselves Christians use the Bible as a means to hurt or dehumanize others.

Today is the beginning of 2014 on January 1.  The holidays end today. The Christmas Season ends on Monday, January 6th.  What will we take with us from this time of focusing on peace on earth, good will towards others, and good wishes and cheers shared with family and friends?   If we will let the love of God through the Name of Jesus Christ to open our hearts to see Christ in others who are different from ourselves, to show reverence and respect so that prejudices will end and the building of new and more inclusive communities can begin; then the meaning of Christmas will live past the taking down of the Christmas tree, and putting the candles away for another year. 

One more thing. 

In the Holy Name of Jesus Christ, God shows us that changing our ways by God's help, so that there can be healing and reconciliation is more than possible.  Through saying our YES to the will of God the mending of the human community, and the reality of God's loving presence among us will finally be real.

Oh please, let 2014 be the Year that happens.

Amen.


Prayers

Eternal Father, you gave to your incarnate Son the holy name
of Jesus to be the sign of our salvation: Plant in every heart,
we pray, the love of him who is the Savior of the world, our
Lord Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy
Spirit, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen. (Book of Common Prayer, p.213).

Almighty God, you have poured upon us the new light of
your incarnate Word: Grant that this light, enkindled in our
hearts, may shine forth in our lives; through Jesus Christ our
Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy
Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.  (Book of Common Prayer, p.213).