Holy Name of Jesus

Today we celebrate the optional memorial of the HOly Name of JEsus

Matthew 1:21
Luke 2:21
Philippians 2:10

These are places in the New Testament that mention the name of Jesus and they are worth looking at.

Matthew speaks of the name of Jesus as that which indicates who He is and what He does for "He will save His people from their sins."

Every time we invoke the name of JEsus we are invoking that power which comes to rescue and save us from our sins, from all that blocks us from truly becoming who we were created to be.

Luke mentions that the name of JEsus was given to Him 8 days after the days were completed for his circumcision, a name that was given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.

The name of JEsus was thought out ahead of time. Before Jesus entered into our time, God had already from all of eternity destined him to be the one who would come and save and redeem and take away our sins.

This is part of God's plan. We all, as people of faith, are participants in the destiny of Christ. Each invocation draws us closer into the destiny. Our destiny finds meaning and purpose in His destiny.

In Philippians 2:10, St. PAul tells us that at the name of JEsus every knee shall bend and every tongue confess...

This is why during the liturgy, the celebration of the mass, or any of the sacraments, at the invocation of the name of Jesus we should bow our heads in reverence and respect. Our entire body should be given over to adoration and respect not just our mouth. Talk is cheap. Our body must become an instrument of worship and praise as well.

Jesus saves us by what he does with his body. Thus, in our body when we bow we acknowledge the cost of our redemption and the gift of grace that flows from the head of Christ which bowed low and breathed its last so that we might receive grace upon grace.

Our bowing of the head is an act of deep appreciation for Him whose wounded headed bowed for us.


Lastly, we turn to John 17:11 where JEsus in his final prayer before the crucifixion asks the Father, "Holy Father, keep them in your name that you have given me, so that they may be one as we are one."

The invocation of the name of JEsus is an invocation of his strength and his protection. It is in his name that temptation is driven away, sins are avoided, purity is guarded, charity is manifested, peace is restored, and true Joy is experienced.

What a wealth this name is for all who profess it in faith.

The Holy Name of Jesus remains for us honey on the lips and sweetness in the heart, guidance for the mind, direction for the will.