You Name the Babies

Inviting God to be a vital part of our family life

01/01/2018

Luke 2:16-21 The shepherds went in haste to Bethlehem and found Mary and Joseph, and the infant lying in the manger. When they saw this, they made known the message that had been told them about this child. All who heard it were amazed by what had been told them by the shepherds. And Mary kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart. Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, just as it had been told to them. When eight days were completed for his circumcision, he was named Jesus, the name given him by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.

          One key to a successful marriage is when the husband and wife find their proper roles and responsibilities. Being either male or female means each will innately possess some natural skills but also some noticeable shortcomings. The guy will be good at some things, while the gal will be great at other things in taking care of their family, their home and their future.

             I recently heard a humorous country song by Blake Shelton describing this domestic division of labor, called “I’ll Name the Dogs.” Part of the lyrics are: “You find the spot and I’ll find the money / You be the pretty and I’ll be the funny / You plant the flowers and I’ll plant the kisses / Baby, let’s get right down to business.” Then the refrain goes: “I’ll hang the pictures, you hang the stars / You pick the paint, I’ll pick a guitar / Sing you a song out there with the crickets and the frogs / You name the babies and I’ll name the dogs.” I love that line: “You name the babies and I’ll name the dogs” because sometimes, the dogs are as important at the babies!  In other words, when you know who’s going to take care of what, married life goes a lot smoother and easier for everybody, even the dogs.

          The gospel of Luke records how the newly married couple of Mary and Joseph also experienced the domestic division of labor for the smooth operation of their Holy Family, but with one notable exception: neither of them got to name the Baby. We read: “When eight days were completed for his circumcision, he was named Jesus, the name given him by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.” I’m not sure if St. Joseph still got to name the dogs, but neither Mary nor Joseph got to name the Baby; that role was fulfilled by the angel. The Holy Family was keenly aware that not all domestic duties can be divided between the husband and the wife, even if they’re as holy as Mary and Joseph! Why? Well, because some tasks require divine intervention. Mary and Joseph knew that for their marriage to go smoothly and be a success, God would also need to have a place at the family table, and so they were obedient to the angel’s command, and named Jesus accordingly. Everyone needs to know their respective role and responsibilities for a successful marriage and family.

          My friends, as we begin a new calendar year, are you clear about your place in your family: whether your job is to “pick the paint” or to “pick a guitar”? And more importantly, have you included God in the domestic division of labor of your household? Does God have a significant role in how you conduct your family business, or is God just an afterthought? With all due respect to Blake Shelton, Catholic parents used to let God sort of name the babies. How’s that? Well, depending on the day the baby was born, he or she would be named for the saint of the day. For instance, a baby born today, would have been named “Mary” or “Joseph.” Do you involve God in making financial decisions for your family, like how much to tithe or give to charity, or is it simply a calculation of how much of a tax deduction you need this year? Maybe Uncle Sam is more involved in your finances than God is.  Does God get to go on your family vacations, meaning do you make an effort to go to Mass even on vacation? Do you pray for divine guidance before making a choice of a college, or a career, or evening cooking, like not eating meat on Fridays of Lent?

          In other words, when you sit down at the kitchen table and divvy out the duties for domestic happiness and good order, be sure to leave a place at the table for God. You can still name all the dogs, but sometimes, God wants to name the babies.

Praised be Jesus Christ!