Friday 23rd January – Friday of week 2 of the year

Reflection: Mark 3:16-17

YOU NEED A NEW NAME

What is in a name? So much! Your name is your identity. Today God wants to give you a new name. When God gives a person a new name, it overturns the future of the person for good. Our father in faith – Abraham witnessed a change of name and was never the same again. Sarah and Jacob also experienced name changes that marked a transformation in their lives. In today’s text, Simon’s name was changed to Peter by Christ Himself. A name that signified the mission Christ had for him – to be the leader of His Church.

You may ask whether you really need a physical change of name before you can experience such spiritual transformation. The answer is simply- “not necessarily”. What you and I need is a transformation that changes our identity. Through baptism, we have become God’s children; our identity has been changed. Yet, for us to be truly transformed, we must cooperate with the grace we received at Baptism; we must be open to the prompting of the Holy Spirit and strive to live holy lives.

When we do this, then we become like the Apostle Paul who shared a spiritual identity with the name of Jesus. An identity that even the devil recognised: “I know Jesus, and I know about Paul; but you who are you?” (Acts 19:14). What an identity Paul the apostle had in the spirit realm! Do you now see why you need a new name? If you are keen on getting a new name from God today, then you must read about and imitate the lives of Christ and of those who experienced such great transformation. In addition, let every day lead you to a closer union with Christ as He alone can transform you and I and elevate our names – our identities.

 PRAYER: Father, thank you for the gift of my faith. Please transform me by the power of your Spirit and help me to live out my Christian identity to its full. Amen.

KNOW YOUR FAITH: YOUCAT 201, 202 – What is the significance of receiving a name in Baptism? Why should Christians choose the names of saints at Baptism?

Through the name that we receive in Baptism God tells us: “I have called you by name, you are mine” (Is 43:1). There are no better examples than the saints and no better helpers. If my namesake is a saint, I have a friend with God.

HIDE A TREASURE: “Anyone who is joined to Christ is a new being, the old is gone, the new is come.” 2 Corinthians 5:17 GNB

Readings for Today: Hebrews 8: 6-13; Psalm 85: 8, 10-14; Mark 3: 13-19