Posted by The WORD in other words (2006) Father Ernesto Salvar SVD – University of San Carlos, Cebu City
Solemnity of the Birth of Saint John the Baptist – June 24
Image Source – Wikimedia Commons
What’s in a name? Is the meaning of a name important? Whether we agree or not, a name matters. It is through our name that people call us. Can you imagine yourself without one?
In the biblical world, a name does not only represent a person; it identifies and describes the person’s mission. In the Philippine context, names also carry meaning. For example, Cebuano hero Leon Kilat was named “lion” and “lightning” because he was brave as a lion and fast as lightning.
On the Solemnity of the Birth of St. John the Baptist, the Gospel tells us of the insistence that the child be named John. Why? Because “John” means “Yahweh has shown favor.” His name symbolized his role in God’s redemptive plan. True to his name, John showed the world that God had indeed shown favor by sending the Savior. As the precursor, he prepared the way for Christ by preaching repentance and baptism (cf. Luke 3:3–6).
Does your name mean something? Try to discover it. There is often a reason why you were named as you are. Sadly, many modern names are chosen without meaning, simply copied from the West. Yet names can be powerful reminders of identity and vocation.
One confrere in Chile, Padre Juan Francisco Javier, SVD, would request that baptized children be given the name Francisco or Francisca, in honor of St. Francis Xavier, whom he deeply admired.
If you are named after a saint, learn about him or her. That saint can be a guide and inspiration in your Christian vocation to holiness. If not, choose a patron saint to accompany you. In many countries, one’s feast day is celebrated as joyfully as a birthday.
