Monthly Devotion: The Holy Name of Jesus

"Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name which is above every other name, that at the name of Jesus ever knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth." Phil 2:9-10

The devotion for the month of January is the Holy Name of Jesus. Since the Feast of the Circumcision is in January (eight days after Christmas), it make perfect sense to have this be the devotion for January. What a beautiful way to start the year!  As there is no other name by which man can be saved (Acts 4:12), lets start our calendar year off with the glorious name of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

The name of Jesus is sacred - just the fact that it is the name of God who became man! He chose it for Himself, as we can see from the Annunciation. When the archangel Gabriel announced to Our Lady that she would be the Mother of God he said, "behold, you will conceive and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus." (Lk 1:31). God sent His angel to announce this great news, which included the name the child would be given. The angel also tells St. Joseph, in a dream, that the child will be names Jesus, "for he will save his people from their sins." (Mt 1:21). This is what His name means, this is who He is.

The Holy Name of Jesus is our salvation. This is why we should always speak it reverently and lovingly. Speak it in times of struggle, temptation, or dryness - for He is our strength. Consider building the habit, if you do not already do so, of bowing your head when you hear the Holy Name of Jesus. This is a wonderful way to increase your own love, devotion, and trust in your Savior, to witness to the truth of Jesus and His Gospel, and to make reparation for those who so frequently use His name in vain or as a curse.

May the Holy Name of Jesus be frequently on our lips, especially at the moment of our deaths.