His Given Name

~~~ Memorial of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton ~~~

~~~ 1 John 3:7-10 ~~~ Psalm 98 ~~~ John 1:35-42 ~~~

We continue to celebrate Jesus as the Lamb of God.

The one sent by God to save us.

To save us because we are his children...

he loves us unconditionally.

John was able to see Jesus as much more than just his cousin.

John was so convicted in his understanding of who Jesus was, 

others also followed and became believers.

Have you ever been in that situation?

Have you ever been the one who convinced others 

to see a certain movie, for example?

Has your enthusiasm ever been that contagious?

Do you like your name? I do.

We tend to strongly identify with our given name.

Imagine meeting someone for the first time;

now imagine that stranger changing your name right then.

Some would just laugh it off and move on

while others might loudly object to the notion.

That is what happened to Peter the first time he met Jesus.

Jesus looked at him and said,
“You are Simon the son of John;
you will be called Cephas,” which is translated Peter.

Cephas in Aramaic means the rock.

This was previously not a commonly used name. 

It was given to Peter,

because God already had great plans for him.

Jesus knew the important role Peter would play in the coming days.

The seeds for the future were already planted within Peter

by God prior to this meeting.

God has planted his seeds within your heart as well.

Have you found them yet?

Are you looking for them?

Are you waiting for someone else to help you find them?

A few simple questions to ponder today.

All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God.

Elizabeth Ann Seton found in her heart

 the seeds of God's special calling for her.
She was widowed at age 30 left with five small children.

It would have been easier for her to ignore them, but instead she listened.

She was converted and went on to become the first

native born American to be canonized.

She was the foundress of the Sisters of Charity.