Lesson – 3
God's Name - Adorable Name
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Once, Jesus taught His disciples to pray. It begins like this: "Our, Fatherin heaven, holy be your name." Jesus makes it clear through this prayer thatwe must use the name of God with respect and veneration. The secondcommandment of God is this: "You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God in vain."
God's Name in the Old Testament
We have to understand the usage 'Name of God' in the background ofthe Old Testament. When God appeared in the thorny bush, Moses asked Godto reveal His name. But God does not reveal His name clearly. Instead He said “I AM WHO I AM” Ex. 3:13-14). A particular name cannot contain God as He is.Since He is God, He cannot be limited to the frame of a particular name.
God's name is God's presence it self. To know the name means to know the person. God speaks through the prophet:For from the rising of the sun toits setting my name is great among the nations” (Mal. 1:11). The Israelites did not use in their conversation, the term 'Yahweh' which refers to God. They thought it as a violation of the commandment. Calling the name of a person also points to one's authority over that person. Man has no authority over God. We can only worship Him.God's Name in the New Testament
Once Jesus prayed like this: "Father glorify your name." Then a voicecame from heaven. "I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again" (Jn. 12:28).Jesus gave great importance to the adorable nature of God's name. Jesus used the term 'Abba', a simple and touching word, whenever He addressed His Father. This term is used by children in Israel to address their fathers.
Just as the name of God is holy, the name of Jesus, the Son of God, is also holy. Jesus' name has salvific power. Hence Jesus thought like this “If you ask anything of the Father in my name, he will give it to you” (Jn. 16:23). Theapostle Peter healed a lame person saying: "In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, stand up and walk." (Acts 3:6). On another occasion, St. Peterpreached like this; "There is salvation in no one else, for, there is no other name under heaven given among mortals by which we must be saved." (Acts 4:12). Hence, we must glorify God's name. The Holy Bible teaches us that when weoffer praise to His name, we are praising God Himself.
The Usage of God's Name
We must use God's name with respect when we take oaths or truestatements. We may have to use the name of God. In courts and before theauthorities, people may have to do the same. When we take up greatresponsibilities also we have to take the oath in God's name. On all suchoccasions, we must utter God's holy name with due respect befitting God.Swearing and bearing false witness are wicked sins. When we speakabout divine things, we have to use words of respect. We should never use words of mockery, condemnation, irreverence etc. in connection with God. They are blasphemous sins. Questioning God's providence and accusing Godas merciless and unjust are also serious sins against this commandment.
Some people utter words of curse when they get angry. They areviolating the second commandment. Cursing ones own fellow beings createdin God's image is teasing God Himself. We have to keep ourselves away frombad words, false statements, indecent conversation etc. Our tongues are to beused to glorify God. The second commandment demands us to use ourtongues for the glory of God and edification of others. Blasphemy and impure talks are sins against this commandment.Respect the Holy
We must speak about holy Virgin Mary and other saints with respect.These are persons favourite to God. We should respect persons, places andobjects dedicated to God. Priests and religious are persons dedicated to God.Hence, we have to respect them. Churches, pilgrim centers and shrines areplaces dedicated to the worship of God and veneration of saints. We mustbehave there respectfully suiting their holiness. The altar for the Holy Mass, theobjects of sacrifice, the objects used in the sacraments etc. must be handled ina holy manner. The Bible containing the life-giving Word of God must be usedwith due respect. When we take the Holy Bible, use it and replace it, we have todo them with proper care and respect. Ill treating the persons dedicated toGod, improper behavior at the holy places, making holy things unholy are sins against the second commandment.
Christian Names
The second commandment also reminds us about the importance ofChristian name and its use. We see God giving suitable names to personswho are specially chosen by Him. God gives Abram the name 'Abraham' (Gen. 17:5). Jacob the name 'Israel' (Gen. 32:28). Similar is the case with us. In baptism, when we become the children of God, God gives us a new name, thebaptismal name. It is given in the name of the Holy Trinity.
Usually, in baptism, we are given the names of Saints who have glorified God Certain names refer to God's goodness or divine mysteries. Thisname helps us to imitate their model and to seek their intercession. Hence, we must continue to use the baptismal name We must try to be proud about it andto live according to its spirit. The Church exhorts that, parents, God-parentsand the priests should take care not to give names unsuitable to ChristianSpirit (CCC-2156).
The second commandment reminds us to show reverence to God'sname on all occasions in our daily life. We must be ready to give praise, gloryand reverence to the adorable name of God. At all times, God's praise shouldfill our hearts. With grateful hearts, we must thank the Lord for His infinite mercy and graces. Thus God's name will be made holy in our lives.
Let us Pray
O Lord our God, give us the grace to understand and experience the power of your holy name.
Read the word of God and Narrate
Acts 3:1-10 - 24Word of God for our Guidance
“Very truly, I tell you, if you ask anything of theFather in my name, he will give it to you” (Jn. 16:23).Let us Do
I will read the biography of my patron saint.My Resolution
I will call upon the Holy name of Jesus in all my needsFind out Answers
