The judgments of the Lord are true, and all of them are just. — Psalm 19:10

Mass Readings: Amos 7:10-17 / Matthew 9:1-8 

Called by Name 

My name isn’t too common but when my family moved when I was in grade school I became “the other Monica” in my new classroom because there was already a Monica there. I thought of that when I saw today’s saints: “another” Anthony and “another” Elizabeth. St. Anthony Zaccaria (1502-1538) was a physician, priest and co-founder of the Barnabites. He popularized Forty Hours devotion. St. Elizabeth of Portugal (1271-1336) was the queen of that country and a Franciscan tertiary. Because she negotiated ends of disputes between conflicting monarchs she was called “the Peacemaker.” (No, I didn’t know this about them. I had to look each one up.) 

Rest assured we’re never “the other” in God’s eyes. “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name: you are mine” (Is 43:1).

Prayer: Thank You for calling me, Lord, and for naming me Yours.