“When she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus there, but did not know it was Jesus. Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you looking for?” She thought it was the gardener and said to him, “Sir, if you carried him away, tell me where you laid him, and I will take him.” Jesus said to her, “Mary!” She turned and said to him in Hebrew, “Rabbouni,” which means Teacher. “
(John 20:14-16)
This scripture passage has always intrigued me. I find it fascinating that Mary Magdalene, who loved Jesus and even accompanied him to the cross, did not recognize Jesus at the tomb. It wasn’t until Jesus called her by Mary Magdalene name did she realize who was standing before her.
From the naming of Adam and Eve, to the changing of the names of Abram to Abraham, Sarai to Sarah, Simon to Peter, and Saul to Paul, our names have significance and meaning. Our names give us our identity and just like Mary Magdalene, Jesus has called us each by name. I believe this is why when our names are mispronounced or someone calls us by the wrong name we cringe.
Coming to a new parish assignment can be intimidating. Not because of the work that has to be done, but because of all the new names I need to learn. In my past assignments I would get to a point, maybe 9 months to a year, when I would begin to be embarrassed that I didn’t know names of people especially those who I might see on a weekly basis. Rather than just ask the person their name, I would try to ask around if anyone knew the person’s name or I would just avoid calling the person by name.
I am making a pledge not to do that this time. Without embarrassment I am going to ask people to repeat their names to me. Although it will be almost impossible to learn everyone’s name, I think it’s important to at least try. It takes a lot of work, but I am up for the challenge.
God bless you all and have a great week!
With my love and prayers,
Fr. Patrick
