In many cultures, stages of increasing maturity are recognized by a change of name. For example, in Ruth Beebe Hill’s Hanta Yo, the Lakota protagonist is first known by his child name, Petala (little fire), then by his youth name, Peta (fire). His adult name, Ahbleza (observer, or perceiver), is not chosen for him by his parents, but by the tribe’s spiritual leader.

Such changes can be confusing to those outside a particular culture; but to those who are a part of that culture, and understand it, the significance is crystal clear.

When Jesus changed the name of Andrew’s brother from Simon to Cephas (Peter, or rock), there was a dual significance: not only did the name change mark Simon Peter’s taking on a new life, but the account occurred in the context of acknowledging Jesus as the spiritual leader with the authority to change even the most basic identities of people.

We were all given names as children. Sometimes the names were thought odd or hard to spell. Some were names a child could grow into; some were abandoned because they no longer “fit.” Sometimes our baptismal name is the same as our birth name; but we often get to choose our confirmation name. As adult Christians, we may change our own names, for many reasons. One friend was called Andy as a child, but as an adult, he chooses to be called Andrew.

The important thing, though, is that God knows us and calls us each by name. During these first weeks of Ordinary Time, consider songs that explore the challenge of God’s call, such as John Bell’s “The Summons” (KELVINGROVE), or, from the original Worship hymnal, Sr. Suzanne Toolan’s wonderful “How Brightly Deep! How Glory Sprung!” (THE CALL).

Don’t settle for same-old, same-old. Jesus didn’t.