Youcat commented through CCC - Question n. 75 - Part I.

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YOUCAT Question n. 75 - Part I. Why do Christians address Jesus as “Lord”?

(Youcat answer) “You call me Teacher and Lord; and you are right, for so I am” (Jn 13:13).    

A deepening through CCC

(CCC 446) In the Greek translation of the Old Testament, the ineffable Hebrew name YHWH, by which God revealed himself to Moses (Cf. Ex 3:14), is rendered as Kyrios, "Lord". From then on, "Lord" becomes the more usual name by which to indicate the divinity of Israel's God. The New Testament uses this full sense of the title "Lord" both for the Father and - what is new - for Jesus, who is thereby recognized as God Himself (Cf. 1 Cor 2:8). (CCC 447) Jesus ascribes this title to himself in a veiled way when he disputes with the Pharisees about the meaning of Psalm 110, but also in an explicit way when he addresses his apostles (Cf. Mt 22:41-46; cf. Acts 2:34-36; Heb 1:13; Jn 13:13). Throughout his public life, he demonstrated his divine sovereignty by works of power over nature, illnesses, demons, death and sin.  

Reflecting and meditating 

(Youcat comment) The early Christians spoke as a matter of course about Jesus as “Lord”, knowing that in the Old Testament this title was reserved as a form of addressing God. Through many signs Jesus had shown them that he had divine power over nature, demons, sin, and death. The divine origin of Jesus mission was revealed in his Resurrection from the dead. Thomas confessed, “My Lord and my God!” (Jn 20:28). For us this means that since Jesus is “the Lord”, a Christian may not bend his knee to any other power.

(CCC Comment)

(CCC 455) The title "Lord" indicates divine sovereignty. To confess or invoke Jesus as Lord is to believe in his divinity. "No one can say 'Jesus is Lord' except by the Holy Spirit'" (1 Cor 12:3).   

(This question: Why do Christians address Jesus as “Lord”? is continued)