The very act of naming is an important, identifying, and often transformative act in many biblical instances. Adam, the first man, was called to allot names to all of his fellow creatures, the works of God in the first week of creation. In Genesis 2:20, we read, “The man gave names to all the tame animals, all the birds of the air, and all the wild animals; but none proved to be a helper suited to the man.”
But a bit further on, “The Lord God then built the rib that he had taken from the man into a woman. When he brought her to the man, the man said: “This one, at last, is bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; this one shall be called ‘woman,’ for out of man this one has been taken” (Gen. 2:22-23). And still later on, Adam definitively bestows the name “Eve” upon his spouse – because she was the mother of all the living. Eve stands as one of the earliest examples of the special meaning of a name in Scripture. By the name given her, she comes to know her duty and purpose in life. The chief role designated to her is procreation.
The Scripture writers, inspired by the Holy Spirit, frequently define the meaning of characters’ names. And name changes, initiated by God, are well-documented and far from scarce. For instance, Abram, whose name served as a title for “exalted father,” is renamed Abraham, meaning “father of a multitude.”
This is to signify that Abraham now has a new destiny, a higher calling toward becoming a patriarch, a leader. He is the head of a great nation of the future. He is to become the grandfather of Jacob who shall beget 12 sons, resulting in the 12 tribes of Judah. Similarly, Abram’s wife gets a name change, going from Sarai to Sarah. Interestingly, Sarah is the only woman of the Bible who receives a change of name by God. As the definition of her name implies, Sarah becomes a noblewoman, the wife of Abraham, and the woman from whom the great nation of Israel is to be descended via the miraculous birth of Isaac.
Instances of God changing people’s names, shedding light on the path of authentic vocations, are not limited to the Old Testament. Simon is a perfect example of this in the New Testament. Christ, God the Second Person of the Holy Trinity, renames Simon, calling him Peter instead. St. Peter is no longer called to be a fisherman but rather the rock on which Christ shall establish his Church. As we know, it is Peter’s inevitable calling to help lead the earliest Christians in the practicing of their faith and to die for love of Christ.
The significance tied to someone’s name is always unique and not limited to figures in the Bible alone. Similar symbolism abounds in the world of comics and fictional superheroes. Just about every popular superhero imaginable has an alter ego which he or she fully accepts, taking on a new name and a new purpose.
Bruce Wayne dons his cowl, being transformed from millionaire philanthropist into Batman, a personhood intended to deter the immoral occupants of his city from attempting their victimizing vices. Steve Rogers, just a kid from Brooklyn, leads the life of patriot and lover, but – when the situation calls for it – he takes on the figure of Captain America, an icon of liberty, strength, and justice.
Kal-El journeys to a new home and is given the name Clark by his foster parents. When Earth, or the universe for that matter, has need of his unique capabilities, he dons the identity of Superman, no longer playing the role of a truth-hunting reporter but rather that of a superhuman man battling evil face-to-face.
Carol Danvers, once a jet pilot of acute aptitude, becomes Captain Mar-Vel: a hero of stupendous strengths; a soldier of wit, daring, and stability. She no longer needs a plane to fly. She can soar flawlessly within the atmosphere or without and of her own accord. Tony Stark, somewhat like Bruce Wayne, casts aside the role of millionaire playboy for a time and takes up the role of Iron Man to battle extraordinary threats to the safety of those around him.
In biblical tradition, the comic superheroes’ identity and higher calling are attached to their second name. It is in similar fashion that those to receive Confirmation as well as many who enter the religious life have to acquire a name of dedication.
With Confirmation, the dawning of a new duty – that of being a soldier for Christ, comes the taking on of a new name. Such titles are most often taken after one of the courageous men or women of the blessed heavenly ranks. The added name, based on some past saint, should stand as an example of what to live up to. Every saint has endeavored to embody one particular virtue above other virtues. Some strove for purity, others for acceptance, and still others for faith. The one receiving Confirmation, being of the age of reason, can discern what he or she struggles with and, claiming a saint as their special patron, endeavor to mimic their virtuous lifestyle.
This is made even more obvious in regards to the names bestowed upon those entering religious communities or a life reserved for Christ. It is even seen in the position of the Papacy. A nun, a monk, a new pope, etc.: they are all called to take on a new name as they don their new habit or vestment and with it a new life. Their true calling is then realized. There is this exquisite beauty in every name. God has a mission, a unique calling, in store for each of us.
Inevitably, we’re all called to be superheroes. In the Church, we simply refer to them as saints, but that is nevertheless who they are: superheroes. When God acts, He wants us to act. As the very beginning of Ecclesiastes chapter 7 informs the reader, “A good name is better than precious ointment…” It is a treasure. Whether lay or religious, all are called to be saints for Christ. How do we attain heavenly glory? We gain this by listening to the Will of God, He who knows every star by its name, and by obeying it. His is the mission of our lives.
John Tuttle
John Tuttle is a Catholic journalist, blogger, and photographer. He has written for Prehistoric Times, Culture Wars Magazine, Those Catholic Men, Catholic Insight, Inside Over, Ancient Origins, Love They Nerd, We Got This Covered, Cultured Vultures, and elsewhere. He can be reached at jptuttleb9@gmail.com.