He was a master at tagging people with a nickname. Maybe because he himself was saddled with the Baptismal name of Octave. My grandfather loved his grandchildren and loved to saddle them with nicknames that reflected their personalities, especially the boys. There was "Bonhomme" for a male cousin, meaning good man. I have no idea to this day what his real name was because we always called him "Bonhomme."
My oldest brother was named Ovila, after his uncle Ovila, he became "p‘tit Mac," which eventually became Mack. Edward, another brother, was called "Minnou," and for some reason and that stuck to him his entire life. Another was named Octave, after my grandfather, but his new name was "Pishou," meaning either slipper or little lettuce. One female cousin, was named "Tarzan," I think because she was a Tomboy who could handle her own in a fight with any boy her age.
In Mark’s Gospel, Jesus is a master at tagging people with nicknames. This seems to happen especially with men who spend a lot of time with each other, like in the army or training as an apostle, or the seminary. Jesus took Simon and told him, "Your name from now on is "Rock", or "Rocky," "Peter," in English. This was a tribute to the solid rock that he would become as leader of the early Christian community.
In today’s Gospel, brothers James and John are called by Jesus, "Sons of Thunder," Boanerges. This word appears only here in the Bible. It is Hebrew/Aramaic and can mean one is so filled with violent emotion that he shakes or quivers with anger.
These brothers may have been so rowdy that Jesus tags them as "thunder boys." Recall it was their mother who came to Jesus and confidentially said, "When you come into your kingdom, I would like you to put one at your right and the other at your left."
Other Apostles also 'had issues' as they say today. There was Matthew, the former tax collector, Simon the Zealot, or we would say terrorist, not to mention Thomas the Doubter and Judas.
Nevertheless, Jesus does not give up on them. He sees the best in them and knows how to bring it forth and empower them, even the Thunder Boys, to go out and preach with authority to drive out demons.
So, parents, grandparents, leaders, it’s a great grace to see in troublemakers the best that is in them, often hidden, and to beckon that forth from them.
Remember this unlikely gang of obtuse, rowdy apostles, by God’s grace, are shaped by Jesus into the leaders of the People of God bringing Good News to the entire world.
So, never give up on anybody, for nothing is impossible for God. Amen.
- Father Willy's inspirational homily was recorded live this morning during Mass at the Father Peyton Center. Please view the video on our Facebook page.(You don't need a Facebook account to view.)
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