January 3: The Most Holy Name of Jesus

“Glorious name, gracious name, name of love and of power! Through you sins are forgiven, through you enemies are vanquished, through you the sick are freed from their illness, through you those suffering in trials are made strong and cheerful. You bring honor to those who believe, you teach those who preach, you give strength to the toiler, you sustain the weary.” (Saint Bernardine of Siena)

Today, January 3, we celebrate the feast of the Most Holy Name of Jesus—a name given to Jesus directly by God, through His holy and angelic messengers. As Saint Paul wrote to the Philippians: "That in the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those that are in heaven, on earth, and under the earth" (Philippians 2:10). As we contemplate the blessed name of Our Lord and Savior, we realize that it is not simply a name, but His name, and the name above all other names. The Holy Name of Jesus does not simply identify our Lord, it captures and summarizes His purpose and perpetual existence: as Redeemer of Mankind. From The Church’s Year of Grace, written by Pius Parsch:

“We read in Sacred Scripture how the angel Gabriel revealed that name to Mary: "You shall call His name Jesus." And to St. Joseph the angel not merely revealed the name but explained its meaning: "You shall call His name Jesus, for He shall save His people from their sins." The Messiah should not only be the savior, but should be called Savior. With Jesus, therefore, the name actually tells the purpose of His existence. This is why we must esteem His name as sacred. Whenever we pronounce it, we ought to bow our heads; for the very name reminds us of the greatest favor we have ever received, salvation.”

The veneration of the Holy Name of Jesus was encouraged by the example of Saint Bernard of Clairvaux, and later by Saint Bernardine of Siena and and Saint John Capistrano. Together, they worked great miracles, carrying the Christogram of the Holy Name through the streets, healing the ill, casting out demons, and converting thousands. From that time, devotion to this blessed name has continued, with the seal of the Lord gracing doorways and churches, and reminding us of His power and our redemption.

All things are created in and through Jesus, who came to save all people. As written in Colossians (1:15-20):

15 The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. 16 For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. 17 He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18 And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. 19 For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, 20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.

We are reminded today, at the start of the new year, that Jesus did not simply die for Christians. He died and rose again for the sake of all people, to save all people, to redeem all people. All too commonly, the name of Jesus is used to justify persecution, bullying, and ostracism of others—but this is not what we are called to do as Christians. Rather, this misuse of the Most Holy Name of Jesus debases His name, and distances us from His saving power, the reason for His coming into the world. Today’s feast reminds us that we are all related to one another, as He came for all of us… and that our actions on earth must reflect the heavenly family Jesus created by dying for our sins.

Lord, may we honor the Holy Name of Jesus

enjoy His friendship in this life
and be filled with eternal joy in His Kingdom,
where He lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Looking Back: Read last year’s post on the Most Holy Name of Jesus here.

Year 2: Day 3 of 365

Prayer Intentions: A holy family, united on earth; End to discrimination, bullying, ostracism, and judgment.

Requested Intentions: Successful employment (R); Reconciliation of a marriage (M); Successful marriage, employment, healing (J); For a family struggling with a difficult situation (M); For family intentions (I); Reconciliation of a marriage (S); For blessings upon a family (R); Permanent employment (N); Successful employment (M); Successful completion of nursing exam (M); For a daughter in an abusive relationships (J); For the consecration of a granddaughter to Our Blessed Mother (A); For a successful marriage (S); Restoration of a teaching job (L); Health and spirituality of family members (R); For a return to health for a friend (C); Healing from cancer of a brother-in-law (C); Healthy relationship; Joy in everyday life (J); Successful employment and financial assistance for education (M); For the return home of father and husband suffering from mental illness (C); Successful passing of examination; Employment for Son (J); Healing of a family and son (S); Successful marriage (G); End to husband’s addictions; Son’s employment (M); Freedom from financial burdens (M); Healing after a miscarriage (E); For healing of friend; successful resolution of legal matter (A); Complete healing of a friend with pancreatic cancer (J); Healing of a father following stroke (S).