Name calling

There's much to be said about a name.  It can describe one's status.  It tells about perceptions.  It can even describe relationships.  My mind wanders to the many ways names have affected me.

When I was  kid, name calling was a popular battle strategy.  When relationships ran amuck, the nicknames became, unfortunately, perjorative.  They usually expressed judgement or disdain.  (Shorty, 4-eyes, smarty-pants.) 

Then there are times of life when names are so softer:  honey, sweetheart, mon ange.

What about the names for things going on within?  It's not unusual for folks to experience a sense of relief once a situation or emotion is "named".  Things percolate under the surface of our awareness, evading our understanding of what is going on.  Then we pause and "name it" and somehow the energy shifts.   Sometimes "naming" what is going on diffuses a negative charge or loosens an ironclad grip that previously had us paralyzed.  

"Naming" plays a large role in today's gospel lesson, John 1:35-42

The next day John again was standing with two of his disciples, and as he watched Jesus walk by, he exclaimed, "Look, here is the Lamb of God!" The two disciples heard him say this, and they followed Jesus. When Jesus turned and saw them following, he said to them, "What are you looking for?" They said to him, "Rabbi" (which translated means Teacher), "where are you staying?" He said to them, "Come and see." They came and saw where he was staying, and they remained with him that day. It was about four o'clock in the afternoon. One of the two who heard John speak and followed him was Andrew, Simon Peter's brother. He first found his brother Simon and said to him, "We have found the Messiah" (which is translated Anointed). He brought Simon to Jesus, who looked at him and said, "You are Simon son of John. You are to be called Cephas" (which is translated Peter).

It is not unusual to learn that names are changed as God calls upon qualities that will inform and ultimately transform who we are and what we are about.  In stories of faith, a name change indicates a "call" that transforms life's purpose.  That is why names are the focal point of baptism liturgies. 

You have a name, right?  Look in the mirror and remind yourself:  _______________________, from the moment you were baptized your are called, forever, "Precious Child of God!" 

What does that say about you, my reader?  What does that say about your hope for today? 
Somehow this puts the idea of name calling in a different light!