What is man? What's in a name?

PThis reflection on Easter joy is based on the daily mass readings  for today.

What particularly struck me about today's readings was one line in the Psalm:

What is man that you should be mindful of him,
or the son of man that you should care for him? Ps8:4

What is man that God should care for him?  Who are we to the Father?

From the very first mention in the Bible, we know we are made in the image of God, both man and woman showing that God contains the fullness of humanity in Himself.  And this Psalm continues that same message of Genesis that man was given a privileged position above the creatures of the earth.  But man had barely existed yet, how could he earn that right above the creatures?

The answer is that we were chosen because we are made in God's image.  Not, as the serpent tried to convince Adam and Eve, or our ego tries to convince us daily, that we are like gods.  None of this isn't by our merits but is a gift from God!  Even if man were to hold dominion over all creation, he is still a creature.  So, like the Psalm said, "What is man?"

Going back to the first reading from the Acts of the Apostles, we see Peter addressing a large crowd that has formed around him and John amazed at their power after they have healed a disabled man.  The healed man himself clings to them, looking up in adoration and gratitude.  On some level this must make them happy, after all Peter is the rock of the church, the chosen one by Christ Himself!  And John, he had argued with his brother over who was to sit at the Lord's side.  It's only human to feel some pride at their accomplishment, having helped that man and most of us might bask in the glow of that crowd's admiration.  I venture I would.
But that is not what Peter and John did.  Their pride was not the victor that day for, at this point, they had already received the Holy Spirit, and filled with the Spirit Peter asked,

When Peter saw this, he addressed the people, “You Israelites, why are you amazed at this, and why do you look so intently at us as if we had made him walk by our own power or piety?^e  Acts3:12

He then points to the true reason the man was healed, a truth echoed in the psalms refrain,

O Lord, our God, how wonderful your name in all the earth!

It is because of the disabled man's faith in the name of Jesus he is healed!  Peter testifies to the name and life of Christ, the author of humanity who Himself became human.  What is man that God should become incarnate in our weak flesh?   That is the mystery and joy of Christmas, the Incarnation, but we see it here in the Easter season as well.  Jesus is human and Divine, man and God, Incarnate and Ressurected.

The Gospel for today shows that He is a true man in His resurrection.  He sees the apostles are frightened of Him and his supernatural power, just like they were when they saw Him walking on the water years earlier.  But He shows them his side and his hands and feet, the wounds of the crucified man they buried in the stone tomb.  He asks them for food and they give fish which He eats.

Once they see He is a man and not a ghost, once they accept the truth of Christ's dual nature, only when they see Christ as He is can He reveal to them the truth of that Jesus fulfills the prophesies and Psalms.  And he tells the apostles,

“Thus it is written that the Christ would suffer
and rise from the dead on the third day
and that repentance, for the forgiveness of sins,
would be preached in his name
to all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem.    Luke 24:46-47

Which is exactly what the Psalmist says, "how wonderful your name" and what Peter preaches to the crowds in Jerusalem.  Jesus answers the question of the Psalm when he tells the apostles,

"You are witnesses of these things" Luke 24:48

That is what man is: a witness.  Our abilities and faculties as a witness to the Father who's image we are made in and our vocation as Christians is to witness to Jesus Christ and proclaim the wonder of His name to all.  We are witnesses of God's love and believe in Him.  

Our highest calling is not to become like gods but to worship and testify to the one true God in the Blessed Trinity of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit! In Him is our glory, and may all our work be done in love for God and offered to Him!  The beauty of this revelation tonight surprises me and leaves me with few words except those of today's Psalm: 

O Lord, our God, how wonderful your name in all the earth! 

Alleulia, Christ is Risen!  Glory, honor, power to You forever and ever!  Amen

God Bless, 

~onecatholicguy