In biblical thought a name was so much a part of a person that any change of name meant that, in a sense, the person was changed. When Abram’s name was changed by God to Abraham, and Jacob’s name to Israel, their relationship with God was developed to a deeper level. Today’s Gospel records an unparalleled change of name. When Jesus questions His disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?” their answers reflect the common expectation that prophecy would be revived with the coming of the Messiah. But Jesus is seeking more than what others say about Him and asks for a personal expression of faith: “But you, who do you say I am?” Simon responds on behalf of them all: Jesus is the Messiah, the Christ, “the Son of the loving God.” And now Jesus gives him a new name, Peter, meaning “rock”, and with this new name he is changed in that his relationship with the Lord moves to a deeper level.
Speaking through the prophet Isaiah, God says, “Do not be afraid, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name, you are mine.” We are known to God by name and God loves us with an everlasting love. In baptism our relationship with God is changed to a new and deeper level. Through the gift of his new name Peter’s faith was confirmed and he was entrusted with a new mission. Still he remained subject to temptation and weakness and in this we are no different. But Peter truly loved Christ and ultimately gave His life in imitation of the good shepherd who laid down His life for His sheep. In our times of temptation and weakness may we always call upon Jesus whose name is above all other names. Are you a follower of Jesus or just a distant admirer?