The name ‘Jesus’ flashed on the T.V. screen, bold and brilliant! In the background a roar of approval arose from a momentary invisible crowd. Then the cameras panned across the multitude: enthusiastic and exuberant faces, raised arms, fists punching the air above them. Though there were a few subdued groups, looking with dismay!

   Not a modern TV dramatic take on the life of Jesus of Nazareth! Though I am sure Gabriel Jesus has a few documentaries concerning him in his native Brazil.

   The name JESUS on screen referred to this soccer star! He plays as a forward for Manchester City, and his national team. He had just scored a goal, and his name, JESUS, flashed on the scoreboard and TV screen.

   English speaking cultures seem to be hesitant about naming ones son: JESUS. Strange that: God decides to take on human form, we decide to remove that name from ordinary life! Though we don’t! Read on…

Mind you, I would pity any child named Jesus in our Aussie culture. In my experience, it was annoying enough to share a name with a fly! Imagine sharing the name which so quickly arises on the lips of so many when something goes awry! As a youngster you’d go bonkers running hither and thither, thinking you were being called over… or perhaps not.

   How did this use of JESUS when things go wrong arise? Is it portioning blame, responsibility, for the momentary discomfort or horror?

   Or is it a cry to the One whose name means, as Joshua, from the Hebrew yeshuaʿ (יֵשׁוּעַ), from yshʾ (ישׁע), meaning “to help” or “to save… a cry arising from a collective unconsciousness echoing the message the angel brought Joseph: you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins (Matthew 1:21).