January 3 2020 - Holy Name of Jesus

On this 10th day of the Christmas season, we celebrate an event taking place on the 8th day of the Lord’s earthly life. According to mosaic law, Jesus was circumcised and named on the 8th day. One commentary explained why it was fitting to delay the naming of the child until after circumcision. It mentioned how only after the child becomes a member of the Jewish people through circumcision, only after he entered into that bond with God, should the child be given his Jewish name.

A names are important to Jews. They are not as frivolous as they are today. They are to be carefully chosen because a name signifies ones purpose, identity and mission. When God named Abraham, he said you are called Abraham because you are to be father-of-nations. So, those eight days before naming might give Jewish parents time to contemplate their child, to prayerfully consider a name that might signify what God wants from this child.

Mary and Joseph did not have the task of flipping through a book of baby names. For the Christ Child’s name was given to Joseph in a dream. No name has better fit a child in all of history. For the name of Jesus signifies his identity and mission perfectly. Jesus means “God Saves”. So, it is truly the “name above all other names” as Paul sings of today in our first reading.

A name that was whispered by Joseph, has now been uttered with love and devotion by billions of Christians throughout the centuries. It is uttered in prayer by holy devout souls, it is evoked for strength by martyrs at their time of death and all those asking God’s aid in carrying their own crosses. By it, demons are cast out, souls are reclaimed.

In one sermon on the Holy Name, St. Bernadine said, “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”

When I am waiting in line at a doctor’s office or grocery store, I like to slowly and simply recite the name of Jesus, to quiet the mind down enough where only the name of Jesus fills it. It’s a beautiful, simple, yet powerful way of praying, encouraged by the saints.

 After healing a man crippled from birth, St. Peter says in the book of Acts, “There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved”. May we find healing and salvation from the sins and attitudes and circumstances which cripple us through the name of Jesus, for the glory of God and salvation of souls.

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We bring forth now our prayers of petitions.

For the conversion of all those who have turned their hearts from Christ, for those who have fallen into serious sin, for a strengthening of all of the faithful in virtue. And That God may bring the faithless to believe in His Son and increase the faith of those struggling to believe.

For Christians who are persecuted throughout the world, especially those who face martyrdom, that they may have a faith that is constant and pure.

For the safety of all those celebrating the New Year this evening, safety from physical harm and preservation from sin.

For those oppressed by hunger, sickness or loneliness, that through the mystery of the Nativity of Christ, they may find relief in both mind and body.

For all who have died, and for all the poor souls in purgatory, and for X. for whom this Mass is offered.

Incline your merciful ear to our prayers, we ask, O Lord, and listen in kindness to the supplications of those who call on you. Through Christ our Lord