Thursday of the Twelfth Week in Ordinary Time
Each of us has a name that identifies who we are. There are also names or titles that help others recognize something that sets us apart. The name “Christian” was first used in Antioch (Acts 11:26), and this title indicates that a person is a follower of Christ or belongs to Christ. In today’s gospel, Jesus reminds us that just using His name does not make a person a true disciple.
I have often wondered why Jesus would say “I never knew you” to people who claim that they prophecy, drive out demons and do mighty deeds all in His name. Jesus explains that those who are truly his followers both listen and act on His words. They do the will of the Father. Those who claim to be connected to Jesus by using His name as a reference seem more focused on receiving recognition and power for themselves and are not committed to what God desires. They are followers of Jesus in name only, since they are not connected to Jesus through listening to Him and acting on His commands. They do not know Jesus, and He does not “know” them, and their lives have no strong foundations to help support them in times of tumult and struggle.
This teaching of building our lives on the foundation of Christ and His teachings encourages me to stop and evaluate if there are times when I am a Christian in name only. Do I allow the love of God and neighbor to direct my actions, or do I act upon my desires to gain recognition and power? Do I judge others as less worthy, and therefore act in ways that prevent them from receiving the care and support they need to live full lives? Do I allow hate and vengeance to be the foundation on how I respond to others?
Being a Christian disciple requires taking opportunities to hear Jesus speak through prayer, scripture and sacrament and then act based on these encounters. Jesus does not promise that life will be easy for anyone. However, as “the storms, rains and winds buffet” our lives, Jesus assures His followers that He will be there during these challenges and provide the foundation necessary to make it through. He is the rock upon which our lives stand secure.
Today, spend some time prayerfully examining the ways you are a Christian not just in name but in word and deed. May God give us the grace to live faith-filled lives that help build the Kingdom of Heaven right where we are, so we can humbly and joyfully be called Christian.
-Marylynn Herchline