Monthly Devotion: Most Holy Name of Jesus

"At the name of Jesus let every knee bow of those that are in heaven,
on earth and under the earth; and let every tongue confess that
the Lord Jesus Christ is in the glory of God the Father."
Philippians 2: 10 - 11

Today is cause for celebration on many accounts: the first day of the New Year, First Friday in honor of the Sacred Heart, the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, and the Octave Day of the Nativity of Our Lord, which honors our Lord's Circumcision. 

The Mass of the Octave Day of the Nativity sets us up perfectly for this month's devotion: the Most Holy Name of Jesus, which foreshadows much of the text we hear in Mass of the Holy Name of Jesus (January 2nd), such as the Gospel. ​

The Holy Name of Jesus is a Name that can never be uttered too often. In quiet, devout repetition, the soul becomes more and more at peace. "Jesus" - the sweetest of names, the Name given by God the Father to His begotten Son. 

As St. Bernard writes: “The sweet Name of Jesus produces in us holy thoughts, fills the soul with noble sentiments, strengthens virtue, begets good works, and nourishes pure affection. All spiritual food leaves the soul dry, if it contain not that penetrating oil, the Name Jesus.”

Let us have recourse to the Holy Name of Jesus. May we pray His Name with all the love in our hearts, and may our devout utterances of His sweet Name become a healing balm to all the wounds inflicted upon His Most Sacred Heart, especially the sins caused by those who take the name of God in vain. 

"Through the infusion of Thy grace, [may we] rejoice that our names are written in heaven, under the glorious name of Jesus, the pledge of eternal predestination." 
Postcommunion: Mass of the Holy Name of Jesus

Most Holy Name of Jesus, save us!