What's in a name? (Mother of God homily)

There are three things we emphasize on this feast day: 
Mary’s title as Mother of God; Jesus’ circumcision as a baby; 
and his naming. Let’s focus on the last one.

According to the law of Moses, 
a boy was to be circumcised on the eighth day; 
and at that time, he receives his name publicly. 

When you think about it, isn’t it obvious 
that one of the most consequential decisions parents make, 
is the name they give their child?

Our name goes a long way in defining who we are.

A couple of years ago, I read a story about a priest 
who was asked to baptize a baby with the name of Lucifer. 
That’s right, Lucifer!

Meanwhile, I’ve also heard about children being named for pagan gods, 
such as Thor, Jupiter or Aphrodite. 
Don’t forget about the famous tennis player whose name is Venus.

There’s no requirement to name your child after a saint, 
but I would like to encourage parents to do so – 
at least to have one of the names you give your child be that of a saint. 

And, by the way, that generally includes Bible names.
Except names like…Satan? No Satan. Or Herod, or Pilate!

The naming of Jesus, and his circumcision, 
would have taken place at home, not the temple. 
Most likely, after Jesus was born in the stable, 
Joseph found some more suitable quarters for the Holy Family. 
And it would have been there 
that this first ritual in a Jewish boy’s life took place. 

This day was one of the first times the Gospel was announced: 
when Mary, or Joseph spoke up and said, “His name is Jesus!” 
That is to say, “Here is the salvation of God!”

This is a good time to talk about the importance of the names 
that we give our children, and the names we bear.

While I know my advice on baby-naming isn’t heeded – 
if it were, we’d have lots of little Martins in the parish by now! – 
but I’ll plunge ahead and give some anyway.

First, may I suggest that you pray about what to name your child? 
Ask the Holy Spirit, ask your child’s guardian angel, 
to guide your decision. 

Second, if you pick a saint’s name for your child, 
know what patron saint you have in mind. 
I’ve talked to a lot of kids over the years 
who had no idea who their patron saint was.

I don’t recall when my parents told me who my patron saint was;
But I seemed to know about him from an early age,
learning more and more as the years go by.
It’s a wonderful thing to have a saint (or two or three) 
who you can call your own!

Of course, lots of us have names that aren’t saints’ names.
No worries! You and I can always decide we want a patron saint,
Or to have an additional patron.

Finally we come to the name of today’s feast: “Mary, Mother of God.” 
That title isn’t mainly about Mary, as much as we love 
to honor and celebrate her faithful cooperation with God’s plan. 

The point of the title is to emphasize who Jesus is. Son of Mary, yes; 
Son of David, yes; Savior, yes; but also: True God from True God!

And this day is a special “thank you” to Mary. 
When I was growing up, on our birthdays, we would go find mom 
and wish her “Happy Mother’s Day.” 

That’s what the Church does today. 

How fitting then that the Church grants a plenary indulgence 
when the Faithful recite on Dec. 31 the Te Deum, 
and on January 1, the Veni Creator. 

The indulgence is granted 
when we also make a good confession and receive holy communion – 
within eight days is a good rule of thumb –
and say a Hail Mary and an Our Father 
for the intentions of the holy father. 

So at the end of Mass, instead of the Saint Michael Prayer, 
we’ll pray the Te Deum/Veni Creator together, 
plus an Our Father and a Hail Mary. 
The prayers are in the books in your pews, and are in English.