Called by Name
One of our handbell ringers is continually brimming with enthusiasm for what she is finding by researching her family tree. Tracing my own roots, I discovered that when my grandfather came to the United States from Italy, he changed his name from a more ethnic Tomasi to a more generic “Thomas.” He was not alone. Many immigrants fearing discrimination changed their names upon entry to this country in order to fit in and find work. To have to alter our name can be a sign of oppression. Then, to be known by our true name signifies freedom. Our name helps forge our identity. What a gift it is for parents to be able to name their children! What a gift it is to be named! I think of the times I have been called by name: by my parents marking the intimacy of knowing me, by a teacher in class for an answer, by an employer to manage a project.
Being called by name symbolizes affection, respect, dignity and many times, duty. Last Sunday at the Atlanta Civic Center, hundreds of catechumens awaiting the waters of Baptism at Easter were called by name at the Rite of Election. Their names were announced by the Initiation Directors of each parish from the Book of the Elect. After announcing the names, the directors took the Book to Archbishop Gregory who kissed the names inscribed in it. What a beautiful sign of how intimately God (through the Church) cares for the newest life in our midst!! What a beautiful sign of how our God who has called Abraham and Sarah, Moses and Miriam, Hannah and Habakkuk now calls us.
Before they celebrated the Rite of Election, our Elect signed the Book of the Elect as a pledge of their commitment to the journey of faith. This Book is now located near our baptismal font as a sign that they themselves will soon be immersed in those waters. Throughout the years, hundreds of names have been added—a sign that despite the chaos in our lives and in the world, God continues to call us in freedom and faithfulness to do his work.
O God, bless our Elect and Candidates and open our ears to hear you more clearly as you call our name.
Being called by name symbolizes affection, respect, dignity and many times, duty. Last Sunday at the Atlanta Civic Center, hundreds of catechumens awaiting the waters of Baptism at Easter were called by name at the Rite of Election. Their names were announced by the Initiation Directors of each parish from the Book of the Elect. After announcing the names, the directors took the Book to Archbishop Gregory who kissed the names inscribed in it. What a beautiful sign of how intimately God (through the Church) cares for the newest life in our midst!! What a beautiful sign of how our God who has called Abraham and Sarah, Moses and Miriam, Hannah and Habakkuk now calls us.
Before they celebrated the Rite of Election, our Elect signed the Book of the Elect as a pledge of their commitment to the journey of faith. This Book is now located near our baptismal font as a sign that they themselves will soon be immersed in those waters. Throughout the years, hundreds of names have been added—a sign that despite the chaos in our lives and in the world, God continues to call us in freedom and faithfulness to do his work.
O God, bless our Elect and Candidates and open our ears to hear you more clearly as you call our name.
