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Gospel Reading for December 23, 2023 – L:uke 1: 57-66
CHRISTENING
When the time arrived for Elizabeth to have her child she gave birth to a son. Her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown his great mercy toward her, and they rejoiced with her. When they came on the eighth day to circumcise the child, they were going to call him Zechariah after his father, but his mother said in reply, “No. He will be called John.” But they answered her, “There is no one among your relatives who has this name.” So they made signs, asking his father what he wished him to be called. He asked for a tablet and wrote, “John is his name,” and all were amazed. Immediately his mouth was opened, his tongue freed, and he spoke blessing God. Then fear came upon all their neighbors, and all these matters were discussed throughout the hill country of Judea. All who heard these things took them to heart, saying, “What, then, will this child be? For surely the hand of the Lord was with him.”
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In naming her child, Elizabeth was firm that he not be named after his father, Zechariah, but John. Even Zechariah, who became mute after not believing the angel that he and Elizabeth would have a son in their old age, wrote John. John means, “God is gracious.” Indeed, God is very gracious to have given them a son in their old age, which also removed Elizabeth’s shame of being barren. John himself was so very blessed by God to have been chosen to prepare the way of the Saviour of the world. Zechariah’s acknowledgement of the graciousness of God made him speak again.
In the olden days, parents would name their child after the saint being celebrated in the Catholic calendar on the day the child is born. Hence, one would be able to guess the birthdate of a person by his/her name. This is most probably because the parents want their child to be blessed, to give honor to the saint. Some parents choose biblical names. All of these are efforts to connect their children to God. The word CHRISTENING itself, meant giving the baby a Christian name at Baptism as a sign of admission to a Christian Church.
It is sad that nowadays, more and more parents no longer consider giving the child a Christian name or at least a name that would connect the child to God. They choose names after things they like, such as names of cars, cartoon characters, and even food. Imagine being named Spaghetti because the parents are fond of Jollibee, or Toyota because it is their dream car, or Mickey after the mouse because he is their favorite Disney character? There are those who combine their names, making the name sound so unusual. Some even combine names of actors and actresses. Imagine your child being named Kathniel who are now separated?
What parents do not understand is that the name of the child is for the child and not for them. It is the child that is being baptized with the name. Therefore, it is but proper to choose a name that would benefit or bless the child.
Lord, may we learn to make a connection with you in whatever way we can so our lives may always be blessed!
