Saint of the Day January 03: Holy Name of Jesus
Holy Name of Jesus: Meaning, History and Devotion in Christianity
Name
Holy Name of Jesus
Title
Name of joy, hope and love
Recurrence
03 January
Prayer
To the ear, to the lip, to the heart
Thy Name is a grateful enchantment
O thrice sweet and holy,
ever lovable Jesus.
He who invokes thee with love,
Rapir all in heaven is heard;
Nor more encumber his mind
Vile affections of here below.
Thou, powerful more than a field
Ordered to the battle,
Flee thou see like a flash
The enemy insidiator.
What is there ever power that is worth
Against the arm of the Eternal?
Deh. Thou therefore to my government
Come, O Name victor.
Thou in doubts enlighten me,
In afflictions thou comfort me,
To my succor thou flyest
Among the perils of the path.
And in the hour the bitterest
For the bandit sons of Eve,
Thou deliverest me, Thou upliftest me
Thy Glory to possess.
Patron Saint of
Camaiore, Vaiano
Roman Martyrology
Most Holy Name of Jesus, the only one in whom, in heaven, on earth and under the earth, every knee bends to the glory of the divine majesty.
The Saint and Mission
The Most Holy Name of Jesus is not only a central symbol of the Christian faith, but also a powerful expression of the mission Jesus Christ has entrusted to his followers. This holy name represents not only Jesus’ identity but also his saving purpose, and to invite him is to actively participate in the mission of bringing his salvation and love to the world.
The mission inherent in the Most Holy Name of Jesus is rooted in its very etymology, “God saves.” This name is a constant reminder that Jesus’ mission is one of redemption and reconciliation, of bringing humanity out of the darkness of sin and into the light of God’s grace and truth. For Christians, invoking the name of Jesus is thus a statement of faith and a commitment to live according to the principles and values of the Gospel.
Moreover, the Most Holy Name of Jesus is historically associated with countless acts of healing, teaching and ministry. Through the Gospels, the name of Jesus is invoked to perform miracles, offer profound teachings and transform lives. The faithful, following Jesus’ example, are called to use his name in fulfilling their Christian mission — a mission of love, service and witness to the good news.
Devotion to the Most Holy Name of Jesus is also an invitation to reflect on the power of the name in the ancient world and today. A name was not simply a label, but an expression of a person’s essence and authority. To invoke the name of Jesus is to acknowledge and appeal to his divine authority, bringing his reign of peace, justice and love into the everyday realities of life.
Finally, the mission associated with the Most Holy Name of Jesus encourages Christians to be bearers of his name in the world with respect, love and humility. It means taking seriously the mandate to be the “salt and light” of the earth, reflecting the character and love of Christ in words and deeds, and seeking to embody his saving presence wherever we go.
The Most Holy Name of Jesus is at the heart of the Christian mission, representing the call to live and share the salvation, love and hope He offers. It is a constant reminder of God’s saving power and an invitation to embody that power in daily life, carrying on Jesus’ mission in the world today.
The Saint and Mercy
The Most Holy Name of Jesus is not only a fundamental expression of worship and devotion in Christianity, but also a profound symbol of divine mercy. The name “Jesus,” derived from the Hebrew Yeshua, means “God saves” or “God is salvation.” This etymology itself evokes the concept of mercy, revealing how Jesus’ mission is intrinsically linked to the act of bringing salvation and mercy to humanity.
The name of Jesus is central to the Christian message of redemption and forgiveness. Whenever Christians invoke his name in prayer, praise or need, they implicitly acknowledge the saving power and mercy it represents. The Most Holy Name of Jesus is not just a label or symbol, but a real call to the mercy God offers to each person.
In the New Testament, Jesus’ name is associated with numerous acts of healing and mercy. Through his ministry, Jesus demonstrates God’s mercy by healing the sick, forgiving sins and welcoming those who were marginalized and despised by society. Invoking his name brings with it the remembrance of these acts of mercy, reminding the faithful of the call to reflect this mercy in their own lives.
Devotion to the Most Holy Name of Jesus is also a constant reminder of God’s presence and accessibility. The Christian God is not distant or unapproachable; he is close, personal and eager to enter into a relationship of love and mercy with every person. Invoking the name of Jesus is an act of trust and intimacy, a recognition that God is present and at work in the life of every individual.
The Most Holy Name of Jesus is intrinsically linked to divine mercy. It represents the promise of salvation, a reminder of the works of mercy performed by Jesus, and an invitation to live in a deeper relationship with God. Through devotion to this holy name, the faithful are called to remember and embody God’s mercy in their daily actions and interactions, carrying out the mission of love and redemption at the heart of the Christian message.
Hagiography
Jesus, which means Savior, is the name given to the Incarnate Word not by men but by God Himself. For the Angel of the Lord appeared to St. Joseph and said to him, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary to you as your consort, for what is born in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, whom you shall name Jesus, for it is He who will deliver His people from their sins.” The Child was born, and eight days later He was circumcised, and…