Today we celebrate the Memorial of the Holy Name of Jesus, upon which St. Paul instructs us and admonishes us that every knee shall bend and every head shall bow.
Persons who played prominent roles in the history of salvation often received their names from God Himself. Adam — man of the earth; Eve — mother of all the living; Abraham — father of many nations; Peter — the rock.
Names are very important. Parents agonize over choosing the right name for their children. Unfortunately today, some parents have made a mockery of naming their child. Just think of some of the names given.
Once named, the name contains the person. Saying the name invokes an image. instantly we visualize the person.
Equally, when we think of Jesus, we remember His-name and we visualize the image of God in Jesus. 'For in Jesus the whole fullness of deity dwelled bodily' (Col 1:19, 2:9)."
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.
Jesus' name is and must be associated with the favor offered. Every time we reverently embrace the name we receive the favor time and time again.
It is JEsus in the gospel of John who prays the following, "And now I will no longer be in the world, but they are int he world, while I am coming to you. Holy Father, keep them in your name you have given me, so that they may be one just as we are. When I was with them in your name that you gave me, and I guarded them, and none of them was lost..."John 17:11-12
Just a few more passage of scripture to ponder today as we celebrate the feast of the Holy Name
Mark 16:17-18 "These signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will drive out demons, they will speak new languages, they will pick up serpents, and if they drink any deadly thing, it will not harm them. They will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover."
John 16:23 "Ame, amen, I say to you, whatever you ask the Father in my name he will give you."
Acts 3:6 "Peter said, I have neither silver nor gold, but what I do have I give you: in the name of Jesus Christ the Nazorean, walk."
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