First Reading: Acts 18:23-28; Psalm: 47. R. v. 8a; Gospel: Jn 16:23b-28

HIS NAME IS HOLY

BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP

Name is synonymous to identity. It is the representation of a person. It co-exists with our identity such that even when we are absent and our names are mentioned, our presence is clearly pictured. Our names can also be affected by what we do or what is done with them. Take for example, if someone stole our personal information to commit fraud or a vicious crime; the culprit could easily evade prosecution as the crime would be traced back to the identity of the person whose name reflects on the crime report. Put succinctly, what is done in our name affects us and can present a false image of who we are.

Jesus said “Truly, truly, I say to you, if you ask anything of the Father, he will give it to you in my name” (Jn 16:23b). Jesus was simply saying that when we pray and ask of anything, God shall grant it only in his name. So although Jesus promised to grant anything we ask of the Father; but we should not forget that he added that these requests shall be granted only in his name. And since the Father loves the Son and knows what is best for us, he will never grant any of our requests that will bring dishonour to the name of Jesus.

When we pray, we customarily begin and end our prayers in God’s name. We use ‘the sign of the cross’, ‘in Jesus name’, ‘through Christ our Lord’ and so on. What we are actually doing is using God’s name to make a request. And what this means is that God can only grant a request that would bring honour and not dishonour to his name. What God does for us shows who God is. So God will not contradict his goodness by granting an evil request. God knows what is best for us. We ask; but God answers. God will not grant any request that will bring dishonour to his name. His name is Holy.

PRAYER FOR THE DAY

Lord Jesus, may we respect the sanctity of your name whenever we pray. Amen.