Called by name
I got a dog in September. She was rescued by a Catholic sister who had been living on the Wind River Reservation for 50 years. The dog was named Moses, as she was found down by the Wind River.
One of the great things about having Moses with me is that she knows and recognizes her name; she recognizes tone and she recognizes my voice. I find the simplicity of an animal knowing their name to be profound. It strikes me that in knowing and responding to our names, we identify who we are and how we wish to be in this world.
In the first reading, from the book of Exodus, YHWH calls Moses by name: “Moses! Moses!” Moses responds, “Here I am.” This narrative reminds us that God sees us in our full humanity. Each of us are called by name, because God knows who we are. We are seen and known even when we are dirty and dusty from daily life.
YHWH shares how we are to address or name God: “I am who am.” YHWH is an active participant in the story of the Israelites, God’s people. This is the reminder that God is with us, always.
Today’s first reading provides helpful framing for our current context. Decisions are being made that negatively impact our agencies across the country. Clients, programs and access to resources are all being affected. Yet we can respond by embracing our Catholic identity and commitment to serve others.
In our small agency alone, we are acutely aware of the desperate needs people are facing, and aware that they are calling upon us for assistance because of our name: Catholic Charities. And in knowing and responding to our name, we’re finding creative ways of being present to people, and reminding them that God is with them, always.
Some questions for reflection:
- How is God calling you to respond?
- When God calls your name, what do you hear in your heart?
- Where have you seen God’s mercy this Lent?
- Have you embodied God’s mercy for others this Lent?
Genevieve Mougey is Executive Director of Catholic Charities of Wyoming.