The Power of a Name: Building on the Rock of the Lord

1Cor 10:14-22, Psalm: 115, Lk 6:43-49

Memorial of the Most Holy Name of Mary

My dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

On this Memorial of the Most Holy Name of Mary, the Church invites us to reflect on the power of a name and the mystery of our salvation. The name of Mary, which means “sea of bitterness,” “star of the sea,” or “beloved,” is a name filled with grace and hope. Just as the name of Jesus is above every name, the name of Mary is a name of intercession, protection, and maternal love.

In the First Letter to the Corinthians, Saint Paul warns the community against idolatry. “My beloved, avoid idolatry.” He reminds them that they cannot participate in the table of the Lord and the table of demons. The cup of blessing that we bless is a participation in the blood of Christ. The bread that we break is a participation in the body of Christ. We are united to Christ through the Eucharist, and we cannot be united to anything that separates us from Him. Paul calls us to a radical fidelity, a complete commitment to the Lord.

In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus teaches about the importance of building on a solid foundation. “Everyone who comes to me and hears my words and acts on them, I will show you whom he is like: he is like a man building a house, who dug deeply and laid the foundation on rock.” The wise builder is the one who hears God’s word and acts on it. The foolish builder is the one who hears but does not act. The storms of life will come, but the house built on the rock will stand.

The connection between the readings is the foundation of our faith. Idolatry is building on sand; it is trusting in things that cannot save. Fidelity to Christ and to His Church is building on rock. Mary is the model of this fidelity. She heard the word of God and acted on it. She built her life on the rock of God’s will. Her name reminds us of her faithfulness and her intercession.

Pope Benedict XVI, reflecting on the name of Mary, said, “The name of Mary is a name of hope, a name of protection, a name of intercession.” Pope Francis has said, “Mary is the Mother who never abandons her children.” And Saint Bernard of Clairvaux, who was deeply devoted to Mary, wrote, “In every danger, in every doubt, think of Mary, call upon Mary.”

What does this mean for us? We are called to build our lives on the rock of Christ, to avoid the idols of the world, and to seek the intercession of Mary. Her name is a powerful weapon against the storms of life. When we are tempted, we can call upon her name. When we are in doubt, we can turn to her. She will lead us to her Son, who is the Rock of our salvation.

Today, let us examine our foundations. Where are we building on sand? Where are we trusting in idols? Let us call upon the name of Mary, and let her intercession strengthen us to build on the rock of Christ. Amen.

May God bless you all!