In the traditional Roman calendar today is the Feast of the Holy Name of Jesus.
The Holy Name should bring to mind everything the Lord did for us so that we might be saved. We revere His Cross and make the sign of the Cross. We also revere His Holy Name. When we hear His Holy Name we remove our hats and, during worship in the traditional form of the Roman Rite, we at times are directed by the rubrics to bend the knee.
What does the Lord Jesus Himself say about His own Name?
In John 16:23 Jesus reveals His unity with the Father and the power of His Name saying, “Truly, truly, I say to you, if you ask anything of the Father, he will give it to you in my name.” In Mark 9:38-39 we read an exchange between the beloved disciple and the Lord: “John said to him, ‘Teacher, we saw a man casting out demons in your name, and we forbade him, because he was not following us.’ But Jesus said, ‘Do not forbid him; for no one who does a mighty work in my name will be able soon after to speak evil of me.’” The Gospel of John says that, “these [signs] are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in his name” (20:31).
His Name points to His Person, and His Person is our path to everlasting life.
Signs and wonders are connected with Jesus’ Holy Name. The Apostles and disciples worked many miracles through the Name of Jesus (cf. Acts 2:38; 3:6; 3:16; 4:7-10; 4:29-31; 19:13-17). The Apostle Paul wrote to his flocks about the Name of Jesus. What he taught reveals a fundamental aspect of God’s will for us who are His images. St. Paul wrote: “Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Philippians 2:9-11).
God focuses in the Second Commandment on what we might do with our hands (Exodus 20:4: “You shall not make for yourself a graven image…”) and in the Third on what we might say (Exodus 20:7: “You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless who takes his name in vain”).
The Holy Name is worthy of our love and our fear.
Keep in mind not only love for the Name but also the fear which is Its due. Do not exclude from your thought about God or your devotions the healthy fear, reverential awe. In Scripture forms of words for “fear” occur hundreds and hundreds of times. Christians having a loving reverential fear for God.
Scripture is imbued with loving fear of God. For example, this passage the Book of Revelation which can teach us something of awe and fear which is God’s due and is the “beginning of wisdom”. Consider the liturgical worship where you are. Is the liturgical worship of God where you are imbued with sense of awe? Think about that question as you read this:
“Then I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse! He who sat upon it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he judges and makes war. His eyes are like a flame of fire, and on his head are many diadems; and he has a name inscribed which no one knows but himself. He is clad in a robe dipped in blood, and the name by which he is called is The Word of God.” (Rev 19:11)
Our liturgical worship is to be a glimpse of mystery, a glimpse of heaven to come.
God’s Holy Name is sacred. “God fearing” men and women need not have terror of the Lord, but speaking and hearing His Holy Name will warm them with His love. Reflection on the Holy Name will also teach us something about our place before God and all He has done for us and desires to do.
In the Name of Jesus we obtain every blessing and grace for our sojourn in this world and for our eternal reward in heaven. Jesus said:
“If you ask the Father anything in my name he will give it you.” (John 16:23)
For those of you who desire healing of body and soul, consider also this about the Name of God. This must apply to the Holy Name of Jesus. We read in Malachi,
“But for you who fear my name the sun of righteousness shall rise, with healing in its wings. You shall go forth leaping like calves from the stall” (Malachi 4:2).
Amidst the vicissitudes of this world we depend in fear and love on His Holy Name, which we invoke in our neediest moments. Let us never invoke it in vain or frivolously!
Blessed be His Holy Name.
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Titular feast of our parish tomorrow, Jan. 3.
It is so difficult around pagan family members and those in the workplace, not to mention students (who I do correct) taking the Name of the Lord in vain. Tomorrow it is celebrated in our diocese, but I assume the Latin Mass where I shall go in about hour, will celebrate this feast.
Father, I am printing out and collecting many of your meditations, so that in the years to come, I have hard copies for my perusal. I hope you do not mind. I find that as an old-fashioned book-reading person, I can meditate better on the words and ideas if I am reading and stopping to pray, instead of staring at the screen. A book, please….?
Consider the liturgical worship where you are. Is the liturgical worship of God where you are imbued with sense of awe?
It’s not Father. I feel quite frustrated. The priests here insist on injecting their own variations to the Mass. Today the priest added the words ‘and women’ to the Gospel of John, when the approved text said ‘men’.
Reading your blog and knowing what I know makes me terribly frustrated. I KNOW THIS and I am just a 29 year old layman. How come our priests don’t know/don’t want to know? (Sorry about the caps. I needed them to make my point.)
supertradmom:
A book by Fr Z would be ACE. Fr Z’s guide to the Catholic Church. Fr Z’s guide to the Mass, Fr Z’s handbook for priests…. a whole series of books could be written and published by, say, Ignatius Press…?
A nice day to say the litany to the Most Holy Name of Jesus…
I just got back from a beautiful EF Solemn High Mass at St. John the Beloved parish, in McLean, Va. My sons joined me. Really breath-takingly beautiful.
Fr. Paul Scalia has a wonderful parish–how I wish it were my own! (We visit about one Sunday in six).
Anybody remember the Holy Name Society for men? What a wonderful remembrance of 11:00 Mass in the old days when the men’s choir would from time to time belt out a throaty and stirring rendition of “O Holy Name!” No. 37 in the vintaged Armed Forces Hymnal — check it out. “O Holy Name of Majesty and Power….fierce is the fight for God and the right, etc.”
Question: What is tomorrow ? Is it a feral day after Epiphany, first Monday in Ordinary time, or something else ? Is my queasy feeling caused by movable feasts?
Supertradmum
I hear what you are saying. This is especially problematic in the workplace. My pat response at work, when someone uses the Lord’s name in vain, is to retort: “Leave Him out of this”. I confided to a confessor once that I felt I don’t do enough to end or curtail this problem and the priest advised that when I hear this kind of blasphemy, I at least offer some silent words of praise of the Holy Name in reparation. A few people are aware of the offense I take and don’t do it in my presence anymore, but still, it’s rampant everywhere.
“Our liturgical worship is to be a glimpse of mystery, a glimpse of heaven to come.”
Amen to that!
William, yes, there are still some parishes in this area that have a very active Holy Name Society.
Our Canon, a member of the Holy Name Society himself, said in his homily today: “Whenever you hear someone use the name of Jesus in vain, mentally finish the ‘prayer’ with “…have mercy on us.” Do this for you and for the person who lightly used the Holy Name. Both of you are brother sinners in need of mercy. I was very moved by this concrete suggestion.
It’s rather sad that at the Latin Mass I go to, even those priests who take turns saying the Latin Mass usually do not bow their head at the name of Jesus! (except for one of the priests, who does make a point of bowing his head when he says it)
One of them even made a feeble attempt one time to make excuses for not bowing his head, saying that it becomes “distracting” if it’s done too much. No, what’s distracting is hearing a priest say the holy name of Jesus without bowing his head.
“Question: What is tomorrow ? Is it a feral day after Epiphany, first Monday in Ordinary time, or something else ? Is my queasy feeling caused by movable feasts?”
It depends! In the Ordinary Form, Monday, 3 January is the Optional Memorial of the Holy Name of Jesus. This is in the current English Missal, but not in the American Liturgy of the Hours… it is, however, included in the new African edition.
For those who observe Epiphany on Sunday, it is the “Monday after Epiphany”. For those who observe it on 6 January, it is 3 January (Christmas Feria before Epiphany). Ordinary Time begins after Second Vespers of next Sunday, the Baptism of the Lord.
Reading our genial host’s item, I was reminded that our spiritual ancestors, the Chosen People, never spoke the Divine Name; never. Over time, the pronunciation of the Name was lost; so we have the “tetragrammaton”–i.e., the four Hebrew letters, which in English are generally rendered YHWH, or sometimes JHVH. The traditional ways God’s Name was fleshed out with vowels, however venerable, are still–scholars say–guesses; because written Hebrew (and hence the sacred text), until as late as about 800-900 years ago, did not have vowels!
In any case, the Divine Name, never spoken.
And then we have the coming of the angel to our Lady and to Saint Joseph, and to Joseph in particular, Gabriel says, “you shall name him Jesus.” The Divine Name is spoken! The veil has been torn, heaven has been opened!
Now, many of us, I think, carry over that Old-Testament tradition and will often refer to the Son of God by titles: the Lord, our Savior, and so forth; yet we are free to speak his Name! His Name is included over and over in the New Testament, and so frequently in our prayers. We speak the Most Holy Name without terror.
Yet may we always speak it with reverence; as our host points out, it is fitting–and mandated in liturgy–that we bow our head at the Name.
One more way that the Incarnation (and the Redemption) has drawn us into communion with the Trinity.
I had never heard of this teaching growing up at all. But I was startled and astounded when it was presented to me through Psalm 103 some years ago in a surprising way. I had never before considered its truth, that the very Holy Name itself is power. I remember being completely taken aback by the exhortation in the Psalm to “Bless thy Holy Name”. It is awesome and calls out for a concrete response on our part.
As to liturgies which are imbued with awe, I have experienced this but sadly not typically where I am. Upon research there are a few such places here and there. I do still believe that it is possible in the NO. I especially believe that it will be possible where the exact opposite sort of “atmosphere” prevails — in as much as it seems great care and effort have been expended to deliberately do the things I have witnessed regularly around here, an equal amount of deliberation in permitting even a small experience of the sacred would go a long way.
My works manager called me into a side office to discuss a work issue and when we came out of the office, a young manager from the adjoining office came out of his door and we bumped into one another, my manager behind me.
The young manager from the other office said “J- – - – C- – - – -!!!” and I, quite naturally and without further ado said “No, actually I am Maria”. Well, he was indeed taken aback and looked at my manager who did not say anything to defend him.
My manager knows what I meant, I have been struggling with my Faith at that place for months.
This is starting to become more prevalent in my awareness…what are your thoughts about simply talking about Jesus Christ? With my children, for instance? Coming from a Protestant background, His name is used very casually…how do I teach about Him, etc.?
My husband will cross himself and pray “Have mercy on us” if he hears someone take the Lord’s name in vain…unfortunately, he has had to do this with me at times. :(
Will be more astute.
William et al:
Fifteen men were inducted today into the Confraternity of the Most Holy Name of Jesus (commonly known as the Holy Name Society) today at Mary Immaculate of Lourdes Parish [www.maryimmaculatenewton.org] in Newton Upper Falls, Massachusetts. Fr. Charles J. Higgins presided. The ‘kick butt’ HNS Hymn, ‘O Holy Name’ was sung with gusto (fight tempo) along with recitation of the HNS Pledge (1883 version) as part of our induction. This is part of reestablishing a men’s devotional confraternity and apostolate within our parish which will meet regularly on the second Sunday, moving forward. Collation followed by the gracious help of the Ladies Sodality.
Holy Name Hymn [by William Cardinal O'Connell, Archbishop of Boston, 1922]:
Vs. 1
O Holy Name of majesty and power,
O Sacred Name of God’s own Son.
In ev’ry joy and ev’ry weary hour,
Be Thou our strength until life’s war is won.
Refrain:
Fierce is the fight for God and the right:
Sweet Name of Jesus, in Thee is our might
Vs.2
All o’er the earth the hearts of men are dying,
Chilled by the storms of greed and strife;
All o’er the land rebellion’s flag is flying,
Threat’ning our altars and the nation’s life. Refrain.
Vs.3
Ages ago, our fathers firm and loyal,
Fought for the Faith forever the same.
We are their sons, our heritage is royal,
And we shall conquer in the Holy Name. Refrain.
Vs.4
Up Christian soldiers, Christ who goes before us,
Shows us His Cross and leads the way;
Benedict our Pontiff, guides and God is o’er us,
Vict’ry is ours if we but watch and pray. Refrain.
Holy Name Society Pledge [1883 version]:
• Blessed be God, the Father, Son and Holy Ghost.
• I profess publicly my belief that our Lord Jesus Christ is the Son of God, made man for the salvation of mankind.
• I recognize His divine authority, and believe that all power on earth, civil and religious, comes from Him.
• All lawfully constituted authority I respect and promise to obey.
• May the God of Justice guide the minds and uphold the hands of those vested with its power.
• May the God of Might break asunder the bonds of those met together against the Lord and against His Christ.
• In honor of His divine Name, I pledge myself against perjury, blasphemy, profanity and obscene speech.
• Praised be the Name of God, and blessed be the Name of His divine Son, now and forever. AMEN.
Holy Name Society Pledge [1941 version]:
• Blessed be God.
• Blessed be His Holy Name.
• Blessed be Jesus Christ, true God and true Man.
• Blessed be the Name of Jesus.
• I believe O Jesus – that Thou art the Christ – the Son of the Living God.
• I proclaim my love – for the Vicar of Christ on Earth.
• I believe all the sacred truths – which the Holy Catholic Church believes and teaches.
• I promise to give good example – by the regular practice of my faith.
• In honor of His Divine Name – I pledge myself against perjury – blasphemy – profanity – and obscene speech.
•I pledge my loyalty – to the flag of my country – and the God-given principles of freedom, justice, and happiness – for which it stands.
•I pledge my support – to all lawful authority – both civil and religious.
•I dedicate my manhood – to the honor of the Sacred Name of Jesus Christ – and beg that He will keep me faithful – to these pledges – until death. AMEN.
We were very blessed to revive the dormant Holy Name Society (Confraternity of the Most Holy Name of Jesus, est. in 1274 by Blessed John of Vercelli) at Holy German Church in Boston’s South End between 2000 and until the Archdiocese of Boston suppressed the parish in June 2007. Along with encouraging devotion to the Holy Name Jesus through monthly recitation of the Litany of the Holy Name (2nd Sunday), Holy Name men served as Sacristans, we offered the parish four to six lectures per year on varied topics always with a Catholic perspective, we offered two Evenings of Recollection per year (one in Advent and one in Lent), an annual Retreat (abbreviated Ignatian First Week) with daily access to the Extraordinary Form of Holy Mass and lastly sponsored an annual parish Pilgrimage (the Shrine of the North American Martyrs in Auriesville, NY and Sainte-Anne de Beaupre, Quebec are a couple).
Our Holy Name is currently meeting for devotions the 2nd Sunday of the Month at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross, following the 11:00 AM EF Low Mass in the Lower Church Chapel. We are considering full re-establishment of the chapter within the Cathedral Parish at the present time, after relative dormancy since 6/30/08 (except for devotions).
I encourage all men to consider establishing (or re-establishing) a Holy Name chapter within their parish to foster devotion and formation among the men. We’re down but not out in Boston! Blessed be the Holy Name of Jesus!
Refer to:
http://www.holytrinitygerman.org/holy_name.shtml
The supplement for Proper Offices of Francisan Saints and Blesseds for The Liturgy of the Hours has the Office of the Holy Name of Jesus…
Many, many years ago I worked in an office where the Holy Name was used in vain a lot. I didn’t say anything… I just bowed my head. If asked, I said, “That’s the name of God.” In just a few weeks, the whole sixth floor had stopped doing it … at least where I could hear it!
“The young manager from the other office said “J- – – – C- – – – -!!!” and I, quite naturally and without further ado said ‘No, actually I am Maria’.”
I have done something like this myself more than once, usually saying something like “No, you can call me Geoffrey”, etc. It did enough to make them stop and think without me having to be overly preachy. Whenever I hear such blasphemy, I usually quietly pray a quick “Kyrie, eleison”.
As does the Dominican Supplement, Jakub.
Mindyleigh — Talking about Jesus with your children is hardly taking His name in vain! It is your duty and His command. It makes Him happy, even — “Let the children come to Me.”
Thank you, Father, for this reflection. Growing up I hardly ever heard anything about the Holy Name. As a teen and young adult I was always confused by devotions to the Holy Name and didn’t understand how the Name could have power. It is only recently that I have been coming to have a greater understanding of this devotion and an awareness of the power His Name has. Unfortunately, this did not come about through catechesis and practice, but through an increasing awareness of the significance of names in general.
Mindyleigh, I think that with children where you read with them and teach them the faith that you could consider referring to “Jesus Our Lord”. And through prayers as well acquaint them with the Holy Name and help them to understand that the Holy Name itself is powerful. You know what might be helpful towards teaching this would be the reading after the Resurrection when Our Lord appeared to St. Thomas, and a little discussion about St. Thomas’ spontaneous acclamation, “My Lord, and, My God!” It seems to me to say so much about the apostle’s relationship, what faith is about, and as you and others here point out the significance of names in general, which is so often overlooked in our times. It is interesting also how often contemporary writers and thinkers from other faiths seem to be drawn to that ancient prayer known as the “Jesus” prayer (“Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the Living God, have mercy on me, a sinner.”) That prayer it seems to me inherently trusts in the incredible power of the Holy Name itself.
http://www.fisheaters.com/holyname.html
So holy is His Name that uttering it piously is an indulgenced act. So revered is it that:
* Catholic men remove their hats any time and anywhere it is heard or spoken by them, and all Catholics bow their heads when speaking it or hearing it.
* when His Name is taken in vain, the Catholic in the room will (or at least should) make reparation by crossing himself and praying “Sit nomen Dómini benedíctum!” (“Blessed be the Name of the Lord!”), to which another Catholic who might be in the room replies, “Ex hoc nunc, et usque in sæculum!” (“from this time forth for evermore!”) or “per ómnia saecula saeculórum” (“unto ages of ages”).
* inspired by the example and words of St. Bernardine of Siena (see below), we place the monogram of His Name (“IHS”) over our doors for protection, in the same way that the Israelites in Egypt used lamb’s blood during the first Passover: