Roses and Romeo

Learning the meaning of being a Christian

01/17/2021

John 1:35-42 John was standing with two of his disciples, and as he watched Jesus walk by, he said, “Behold, the Lamb of God.” The two disciples heard what he said and followed Jesus. Jesus turned and saw them following him and said to them, “What are you looking for?” They said to him, “Rabbi” — which translated means Teacher —, “where are you staying?” He said to them, “Come, and you will see.” So they went and saw where Jesus was staying, and they stayed with him that day. It was about four in the afternoon. Andrew, the brother of Simon Peter, was one of the two who heard John and followed Jesus. He first found his own brother Simon and told him, “We have found the Messiah” — which is translated Christ. Then he brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, “You are Simon the son of John; you will be called Cephas” — Which is translated Peter.

Many years ago I belonged to an early morning running group. We trained together for a marathon, which meant we logged a lot of miles, but we also learned a lot about each other. I loved to give quirky nicknames to the runners as I got to know them. For example, one friend was an orthopedic surgeon, who described how he often used saws and hammers in order to repair and heal damaged joints and bones. So, I started calling him, “Chainsaw.” By the way, I received an email from Chainsaw last week and he signed it “CS,” short for Chainsaw.

A lady runner shared how she struggled to settle on a name for her child while she was pregnant. She was convinced that if her child was born without a name, he would be illegitimate. She was really feeling desperate while she was being wheeled into the delivery room because she still didn’t have a name. So she actually grabbed a phonebook, propped it on her big belly, and frantically flipped pages hoping to find a good name for her poor baby. So, naturally, I nicknamed my friend, “Phonebook.” For some reason people don’t want to run with me anymore.

Something beautiful happens when you bestow a name on someone. A bond of connection is created that conveys love and care, and even our hopes and dreams for that person’s future. Parents feel this connection to their children and so take great pains to pick the right name. Even after the parents have passed away, their name is present along with the parents’ love. It usually falls to the first grandchild to name the grandparents. I’ve heard names like “Nana” and “Pops,” or “Gigi,” and “Poppy,” or “Mawmaw” and “Pawpaw,” and sometimes “Cici” and Mac.” Those names do more than identify an individual; each name carries a piece of the heart of the person who bestowed that name. My running friends probably did not love the names I gave them, but I also gave them a piece of my heart, which they still carry today.

In the gospel John takes extra time to explain the meaning of names, precisely because names are so profound. First, two disciples call Jesus “Rabbi,” which John explains means “Teacher.” Immediately that name created a close connection between the two disciples and the Lord. Jesus teaches, disciples learn. Later Andrew uses the term “Messiah” for Jesus, which John tells us “is translated Christ” or “anointed one.” A clear and close connection is created between Andrew and his Savior. Then it is Jesus’ turn to give Simon a new name. We read: “Jesus looked at him and said, ‘You are Simon the son of John; you will be called Cephas’ – which is translated Peter,” which we all know means “Rock.” Consequently, Peter would always hold a piece of Jesus’ heart in his hands, even when he denied him three times. That bond of love was not broken even when the Rock crumbled.

My friends, do you know that we have received another name that far surpasses any other name we may be called, “John” or “Peter,” and even “Gigi and “Poppy”? It is the name of “Christian.” Think about that for a moment. Jesus Christ has bestowed his own name on us, like a husband gives his last name to his wife. One word – a name – both declares and demonstrates how the two have become one flesh. The name “Christian,” therefore, means we are one with Christ; indeed, we are called to be another Christ.

But do we live up to the high ideals of being a Christian? That is, are we Christians in fact as well as in name? Recently, we have had three great opportunities to be worthy of the name of Christian. First, how did we react to the storming of the U.S. Capitol building two weeks ago: was it with anger and recriminations, adding fuel to the fire, or with peace and prayer for all involved? In other words, did we pray for the protestors as well as for the police? That’s what the name “Christian” means. Second, how about last November during the presidential elections: did we demonize the Democrats or rail against the Republicans? Or, could we acknowledge that there are values and virtues on both sides of the political aisle? To see the good everywhere and in everyone is what the name “Christian” means.

And third, the pandemic has also put our Christian name to the test. Can we wear the uncomfortable mask for the sake of the vulnerable among us, or do we flaunt our individual freedom to do as we please? Will we take the vaccine even after the Vatican has approved it, or do we feel we are holier than the pope? That is what the name Christian means, because Jesus has given us a piece of his own heart.

In Shakespeare’s play, “Romeo and Juliet,” Juliet protests that names mean nothing. Juliet is a “Capulet” and Romeo is a “Montague,” two fiercely feuding families. Juliet famously urges Romeo: “Tis but thy name that is my enemy…O, be some other name! What’s in a name? That which we call a rose / By any other word would still smell as sweet” (Act II, Scene ii). Names may mean nothing for roses and Romeo, but not someone who is called a “Christian.” It is the name of “Christian” that gives us the sweet smell of salvation.

Praised be Jesus Christ!