From today’s Scripture: “Moses, hearing the voice of the Lord from the burning bush, said to him, ‘When I go to the children of Israel and say to them, “The God of your fathers has sent me to you,” if they ask me, “What is his name?” what am I to tell them?’ God replied, “I am who am.”’”—Ex 3:13-14

As Shakespeare wrote in Romeo and Juliet, “What’s in a name?” Folks may read this Scripture passage and not think much of it. We may hear people say things like, “Who do you think you are?” or “I need a name!” depending on the conversation. In this case, Moses is not just trying to establish himself as the one God sent to free the Israelites from slavery. In ancient times, names were considered powerful. If you knew someone’s real name, it was thought that you now had some power over that person.

God freely answers Moses’ question, and later says, “I am concerned about you and about how you are being treated in Egypt,” again emphasizing relationship. God cares, and God wants to be known by us. God wants us to be able to call upon him by name. So, what’s in a name? In this case, everything.

Let us pray: Dear God, the “I Am Who Am,” give me the courage and the humility to always call upon your name, in good times and in bad, in times of joy and sorrow, all the days of my life.

Today’s author is Julia Sauter, a member of Glenmary’s Development team. She holds a master’s degree in Ethics and Social Theory from the Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley, California.

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