May 10th, 2020

Why your name matters.

In Luke's gospel the annunciation (Gabriel telling Mary she will have a baby) has a recurring theme and that is names. Luke tells us that the town was named Nazareth , The Virgin was betrothed to a man named Joseph, the virgin's name was Mary, the baby was to be named Jesus. Then the reading swaps from named to called, Jesus will be called the Son of the most high, he will be called son of God, and that Elizabeth will bear a Son who was called "barren" When Mary meets up with Elizabeth, she says that she will be called blessed. Luke's theme of names continues with the proclamation by Zachariah that the boy's name is John, after his son is born.

Mental health care has moved from a primarily medical model, where symptoms are treated or managed, to one where the question being addressed is "What does it mean for you to lead a meaningful life?" Those of us who struggle in different ways with our mental health and well being, can hopefully be seen as people, with names, rather than simply a diagnosis. The bible is full of people being given their names by God and occasionally giving names to God. When we are named, or called by name or reassured that God has written our names on the palm of his hand, then we know that we have been seen. We are no longer a problem to be solved, or a condition to be treated. Names are important they are a way in which God tells us "I see you, I know you and I love you".