Monday, June 1, 2009

1Pet 4, 15-16 Christian: glorify God because of the name

(1Pet 4, 15-16) Christian: glorify God because of the name
[15] But let no one among you be made to suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as an intriguer. [16] But whoever is made to suffer as a Christian should not be ashamed but glorify God because of the name.
(CCC 2167) God calls each one by name (cf. Isa 43:1). (CCC 2165) In Baptism, the Christian receives his name in the Church. Parents, godparents, and the pastor are to see that he be given a Christian name. The patron saint provides a model of charity and the assurance of his prayer. (CCC 2156) The sacrament of Baptism is conferred "in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit" (Mt 28:19). In Baptism, the Lord's name sanctifies man, and the Christian receives his name in the Church. This can be the name of a saint, that is, of a disciple who has lived a life of exemplary fidelity to the Lord. The patron saint provides a model of charity; we are assured of his intercession. The "baptismal name" can also express a Christian mystery or Christian virtue. "Parents, sponsors, and the pastor are to see that a name is not given which is foreign to Christian sentiment" (CIC, Can. 855). (CCC 2158) God calls each one by name (Cf. Isa 43:1; Jn 10:3). Everyone's name is sacred. The name is the icon of the person. It demands respect as a sign of the dignity of the one who bears it. (CCC 2159) The name one receives is a name for eternity. In the kingdom, the mysterious and unique character of each person marked with God's name will shine forth in splendor. "To him who conquers… I will give a white stone, with a new name written on the stone which no one knows except him who receives it" (Rev 2:17). "Then I looked, and Lo, on Mount Zion stood the Lamb, and with him a hundred and forty-four thousand who had his name and his Father's name written on their foreheads" (Rev 14:1).

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