Feast Day of the Most Holy Name of Jesus
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January 3, 2019FEAST DAY OF THE HOLY NAME OF JESUS
The month of January is traditionally dedicated to the Holy Name of Jesus, with January 3rd being the feast of the Holy Name. After the Blessed Virgin Mary had conceived her Child by the Holy Spirit, the angel Gabriel appeared to St. Joseph and instructed him that the Child’s name should be called Jesus, which means “God Saves”.
Invoking the name of Jesus in a reverential manner is so powerful that it has historically been associated with the granting of indulgences by various Popes.
It was even common in some places in the Middle Ages to greet one another in the name of Jesus, and to spontaneously exclaim, “Praise be to Jesus Christ!” with the response, “For ever, Amen!”
Invoking the name of Jesus goes back even further to the Early Church in the form of the “Jesus Prayer”. This penitential prayer very simply says, “Lord Jesus Christ Son of the living God, have mercy on me, a sinner.”
It’s a shame that the lovable name of Jesus, so powerful and salvific, is so often invoked in vain or in blasphemy. To more greatly honour the name of Jesus, ensure that you and your family avoid making this mistake yourselves, and, whenever you hear the name of Jesus said in vain or blasphemed, make up for the sacrilege by praising the name of Jesus either in your heart, or even better, out loud. Jesus is the King of Kings, and this small act of love for His Name will not go unrewarded by him.
To honour the patron name of Holy Name of Jesus Church, refreshments will be served after the 4:00pm and 11:15am Masses this weekend.