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Day

37

What's In A Name?

Lent 2023

Read Romans 16:1–16

1 I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a servant of the church at Cenchreae, 2 that you may welcome her in the Lord in a way worthy of the saints, and help her in whatever she may need from you, for she has been a patron of many and of myself as well.

3 Greet Prisca and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus, 4 who risked their necks for my life, to whom not only I give thanks but all the churches of the Gentiles give thanks as well. 5 Greet also the church in their house. Greet my beloved Epaenetus, who was the first convert to Christ in Asia. 6 Greet Mary, who has worked hard for you. 7 Greet Andronicus and Junia, my kinsmen and my fellow prisoners. They are well known to the apostles, and they were in Christ before me. 8 Greet Ampliatus, my beloved in the Lord. 9 Greet Urbanus, our fellow worker in Christ, and my beloved Stachys. 10 Greet Apelles, who is approved in Christ. Greet those who belong to the family of Aristobulus. 11 Greet my kinsman Herodion. Greet those in the Lord who belong to the family of Narcissus. 12 Greet those workers in the Lord, Tryphaena and Tryphosa. Greet the beloved Persis, who has worked hard in the Lord. 13 Greet Rufus, chosen in the Lord; also his mother, who has been a mother to me as well. 14 Greet Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas, Hermas, and the brothers who are with them. 15 Greet Philologus, Julia, Nereus and his sister, and Olympas, and all the saints who are with them. 16 Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the churches of Christ greet you.

Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the churches of Christ greet you.Romans 16:16

At the end of the letter to the Romans, Paul commends certain men and women by name. It is a long list. No doubt behind every name there is a meaningful story, but we can only guess. They made an impact, but the details of their lives are lost to us.

Names are important. Your given name is important. Your parents likely had reasons or stories for the name they chose for you. You may even be known by different names. But one of your names tops them all: Child of God by baptism and the power of the Holy Spirit. Son of God. Daughter of God.

A baptismal liturgy reminds us of important truths. “We are born children of a fallen humanity; by water and the Holy Spirit we are reborn children of God.... You belong to Christ…child of God; you have been sealed by the Holy Spirit and marked with the cross of Christ forever. Amen.”

Child of God. What an amazing honor that God calls us by this name!

Prayer

Dear Father, thank you calling me your child. Help me always to remember whose I am. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Holy Week Icons

President Dr. Michael Thomas guides us through three important religious images that will enhance your experience of Holy Week.

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