As mentioned in a previous post, one of the traditions of the Catholic Church is that each month has a special intention designated to it. January is dedicated to the
Holy Name of Jesus. Today, January 3rd, is the actual day on which this feast is formally celebrated as a memorial
.
Much has been written about the importance of a name in the Hebrew Scriptures and beyond. I will refer you to the scholars. (There is a nicely written piece on the importance of name-giving with many Scriptural references
here. You can also
google "importance of names in the bible" and you will find much to read and study on this.) Today I write with the Franciscan contribution to fostering devotion to the
Holy Name, as well as to share some writings and prayers.
In the first chapter of the Gospel of St. Luke we learn from the angel Gabriel at the Annuciation that Mary "shall conceive and bear a son and
give him the name Jesus." (
Luke 1:31) While St. Paul certainly proclaimed the
name of Jesus as holy, and the
name above all other names (
Philippians 2:9), it was Franciscan St. Bernadine of Siena who made the
Holy Name of Jesus a popular devotion from the 15th century to this day. In 1530, Pope Clement approved an
Office of the Holy Name for the Franciscan Order and in 1721, Pope Innocence XIII extended that feast to the universal church. This devotion was promoted and preached by the Dominicans, Carmelites and Jesuits, among many. You will find an excellent historical overview
here.
In the liturgical Office of Readings, the Second Reading offers a beautiful reflection by St. Bernadine of Siena, himself, from
On the Eternal Gospel.
This is the most holy name so long desired by the patriarchs of old. They waited for it with much anxiety. The delay in its coming caused them to languish. They called out for it with many a sigh; they prayed for it with many tears. When the moment of grace arrived it was given with mercy. Put aside, then, I beg you, any name implying political power; let there be no mention of vengeance, no mention of justice. Give us the name of mercy. Let the name of Jesus resound in my ears because then indeed is your voice sweet and your contenance lovely.The name of Jesus that makes us children of God is a firm foundation of faith. The faith of the Catholic religion is based upon a knowledge and recognition of Jesus Christ who is the light of the soul, the gateway to life, the foundation of eternal salvation. Whoever lacks this knowledge and recognition, or has abandoned it, is like a man who walks through darkness of night without a light and like a person who rushes headlong through dangers with his eyes shut. However brilliant such a person's mind may be, he follows a blind leader when he follows his own understanding to grasp the secrets of heaven. He attempts to build a house without laying a foundation, he wants to enter through the roof because he left out a door. Jesus, then, is the foundation, light and door. It is he who will show himself as the way to those who go astray. He has shown to all the light of faith through which God can be sought while yet unknown, believed when the search is ended, and found when believed. This foundation supports the Church built on the name of Jesus.The name of Jesus brings luster to those who proclaim it because he causes men to preach it and enlightens men to heed it. To what do you attribute such sudden and brilliant light of faith in the world if not to the preaching of Jesus? Has not God called us into his marvelous light through the brilliance and sweetness of this name? To those who were enlightened and who in this light were beholding the light, the Apostle could say: "You once were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of the light."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. Our love for you is ardent and glowing, our prayers are heard; the souls of those who contemplate you are filled to overflowing, and all the blessed in heaven are filled with your glory. Sweet Jesus, grant that with them we too may reign through this your most holy name.(
Proper of Offices of Franciscan Saints and Blessed in the Liturgy of the Hours, Volume I, Advent and Christmas Season, published by the English-Speaking Conference of the Order of Friars Minor, 1975)
Amen!There are wonderful stories of St. Benadine and many, many quotes of his regarding the power of the
name of Jesus, as well as the
Litany of the Most Holy Name of Jesus and
Chaplet of the Holy Name here, and you can find a
Novena to the Most Holy Name of Jesus and links to other prayers
here.
May you who read this be blessed in a very special way this new year. May you call upon
the holy name of Jesus and speak that name only with reverence and love. Peace to you. Peace and good.
In the
holy name of Jesus....
Pax et bonum!
