Hello My Name is…

              In the last 5 years, I lived in 4 different states, 3000 miles apart, and had to learn a lot of new names. I often remember the story, and forget the name. At my age, I usually need to hear a name about 3 times before I remember it. My name, however, often takes more than 3 tries to remember. I was pleasantly surprised when I introduced myself to a priest in Wrentham, MA, and a week later, Fr. Joe greeted me with a smile and remembered my name!  Wow - my new shepherd “had me at hello”.   I always enjoyed attending the “God Calls Us By Name” Sunday Masses and challenged myself to learn a few new names of those around me. “I was a stranger, and you welcomed me”. Matthew 25:35 

              As I observe my little grandsons, I am amazed at how quickly they recognize and respond to their names. Their name is an important part of their identity and gives them a sense of who they are.

              Do we realize that God knows each one of us by name?  But besides knowing our name, he also knows our story, and he knows the deepest secrets of our heart, for that is where he resides. Pretty awesome… What about us?

              When we welcome strangers into our communities, do we make it a point to learn their names? Do we ask to hear their story? Do we open our hearts to them? God knows their names and their stories, but he needs our assistance to show them his heart!

              Do we remember to acknowledge the name above all other names? Out of all the things Jesus said and did, he only asked for one thing to be remembered: “Do this in memory of me.” Do we remember to remember every Sunday?  Do we believe in his presence in the Eucharist?  We do have a choice - but we receive what we believe.

              I saw a sign in the IT office at a Benedictine Abbey in Oregon which touched my heart. Jesus offers forgiveness and healing - what a gift! Too bad this gift often remains unopened, either because we don’t believe or don’t trust in his LOVE.  Jesus only healed those who had faith in him. They believed and they trusted. Jesus healed both physically and spiritually with compassion, forgiveness and love. Many of us come to Jesus seeking and receiving forgiveness, but do we ask him to heal us as well? Do we show him those wounds of abandonment, betrayal, shame, and abuse? Do we let him enter into the deepest crevices of our hearts? Do we let him see and touch those places that hurt the most?  Do we trust and believe in his power to heal? He is God after all! 

              People come into our lives for a reason - they all need to be loved. And so do we. Yes - it’s that simple. LOVE, more than freedom, is what we are all searching for… and Jesus shows us the way. By offering others the forgiveness we receive from Jesus, we become healed and free to love again.

              God knows our name; he knows our story. He sees into our heart. He heals and forgives. We are created in God’s image and likeness. To paraphrase C.S. Lewis: “Can you think of a type of person who might make you uncomfortable if they sat next to you? May that person come into your life soon! That’s where true discipleship is tested.” Learn their name, hear their story, open your heart, and love them.  Most of us need some ONE, more than we need something. Let it begin with me. Hello - my name is…