Beloved Church,

Shortly before I left for vacation, someone asked me if they should call me Rev. Ramirez, Pastor Molly, or just Molly? It took a moment, but I realized I LOVED getting asked this question. Why? Because it reveals the power of a name. And make no mistake, names are powerful.

Some of us carry the joy of nicknames given by beloved family members or friends. Names given in affection that last forever and convey belonging. Some of us carry the joy of titles given, titles earned, bestowed by institutions following years of education, labor, or experience (Dr., Esq. COO, etc.) Some are given titles long before they will even begin to know what they mean….teacher, parent, aunt/uncle, crossing-guard…

Some of us carry the hurt of names we did not want. Names given to us by others at age 7 or 26 or 56….that those names have the power of staying with us, shows us exactly how important names can be.

In the gospel of John, it is when the risen Lord says Mary’s name that she can fully recognize him. When Christ stands in front of an empty tomb and calls us by name he is making a claim: You are are known to me and you belong to me and nothing you can do or not do will ever change that. You are claimed as Christ’s own forever.

When we participate in the Sacrament of Baptism, as we will this week in worship, we ask for the name of the child. Then the child is baptized by name, an outward sign of the inward grace the child, and each of us, has already received through the love of Jesus Christ our Lord.

And because I know some will want the answer to the question above, the short answer is this: Rev. Ramirez is for formal occasions, Pastor Molly acknowledges my vocational call, and Molly is great. All three are the same person, the two titles acknowledge parts of my training/education, as well as the call to servant leadership. But wouldn’t you know it – when I was baptized, it was as Molly. When Christ calls my name, it is Molly.

And anytime I say your name, it is not lost on me that your title is Beloved Child of God. Maybe you could try it, too? For the next week, anytime you see or hear or say a name (yours or someone else’s), think to yourself, “Beloved Child of God.” It will change the way you see the world, I can tell you that much for sure.

See you in church.

Christ is Risen,
Pastor Molly