Names of Christ: Who do you say that I am?

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.

John 1:1-5

When John opens his Gospel, “In the beginning was the Word,” the capital Word, he informs the reader of Jesus’ divine status pre-existence and that divine being’s life and light will be important, world changing. As the Word, or Logos in Greek has been part of God from the beginning of creation is not a superbeing coming from nowhere. In entering the world as humanity this Word is enacting God’s plan of salvation for us. Through the Word, Jesus, humanity is given direction and purpose again; although in these specific verses he has not been named yet. And this Word and light will change everything now and forever. While darkness may be present and continues to be present in the world, the Word as the light of God will prevail in the end. May we continue to be open to the saving truth and grace which this Word of God continues to unveil for us as faithful believers.

Prayer

All praise, honor and glory to You, O God, for it is through Your word and Word that we have become adopted sons and daughters. In accepting this saving truth of Jesus Christ is Lord, we continually seek to follow His ways. We are eternally grateful for such a gift, Amen.

Image Attributed Copyright © Word Made Flesh, Donald Jackson, Copyright 2002, The Saint John’s Bible, Saint John’s University, Collegeville, Minnesota USA.