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The name of Jesus is holy. It is the name above all names. It means “God saves.” This name tells us who Jesus is and what He came to do.

Christians have always honored His name. The Bible says His name has power. Miracles happened in His name. Sins were forgiven in His name. His followers preached and healed in His name.

The Church set aside a special day to honor His name. This feast is on January 3. It reminds us to respect His name. It also reminds us to trust in Him.

We should speak His name with love. We should never use it carelessly. When we say His name, we remember His love and mercy. His name brings peace, strength, and hope.

A Name That Saves

The name “Jesus” comes from the Hebrew name “Yeshua.” It means “God saves.” This name tells us what Jesus came to do. He came to save us from sin and bring us back to God. His name is not just a word. It is a message of hope and salvation.

The Bible shows the power of His name. The angel told Mary, “You shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21). Peter said, “There is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12). His name brings healing, forgiveness, and new life.

Calling on the name of Jesus is an act of faith. Many people in the Bible cried out to Him for help. The blind man shouted, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” (Luke 18:38). Jesus heard him and healed him. When we call on His name, we trust in His power and love.

We should speak His name with reverence. We should pray in His name and trust in Him. Saying His name reminds us that He is always with us. His name is a source of peace, strength, and salvation.

A Feast for the Name of Jesus

Christians have honored the name of Jesus since the early Church. The apostles preached in His name. They healed people in His name. They cast out demons in His name. The early Christians knew His name had power. They spoke it with great respect.

In the 1400s, Saint Bernardine of Siena helped spread devotion to the Holy Name. He preached about the power of Jesus’ name. He encouraged people to honor it. He even created a symbol with the letters IHS, which stand for Jesus. Many people began to pray to Jesus using His name with love and trust.

The Church later made a special feast to honor His name. At first, different places celebrated it on different days. In the 1700s, the pope made it a feast for the whole Church. Over time, the date changed, but the meaning stayed the same.

Today, the Church celebrates the feast on January 3. This date helps us begin the new year by focusing on Jesus. His name is holy. His name brings peace. His name reminds us that He is always with us.

The Power of the Name of Jesus

The Bible shows that the name of Jesus has great power. The apostles healed people in His name. In Acts 3, Peter and John met a man who could not walk. Peter said, “In the name of Jesus Christ, walk.” The man was healed immediately. Many people believed because of this miracle.

Jesus’ name also has power over evil. In Mark 16:17, Jesus said His followers would drive out demons in His name. In the Gospels, evil spirits feared Jesus. They obeyed when He commanded them. His name brings light into darkness.

Christians have a tradition of bowing at His name. This shows respect and love. It reminds us that He is Lord. The Church teaches that His name should never be used carelessly. We should say it with faith and honor.

When we are afraid or struggling, we can call on His name. Saying “Jesus” in prayer brings peace. Many saints and believers have trusted in His name for help. His name is a gift to us. It brings strength, protection, and hope.

Honoring His Name Every Day

The Franciscans and Jesuits helped spread devotion to the Holy Name of Jesus. St. Bernardine of Siena, a Franciscan, preached about the power of Jesus’ name. He encouraged people to place the letters “IHS” in their homes and churches. These letters stand for Jesus’ name in Greek. The Jesuits also promoted this devotion. Their symbol includes the letters “IHS” to remind people of Jesus.

Catholics today can honor His name in simple ways. We can bow when we hear His name at Mass. We can avoid using His name carelessly. We can pray the Litany of the Holy Name. We can also keep an image of His name in our homes. These small acts show respect and love for Jesus.

Trusting in His name brings peace. When we are afraid, we can say “Jesus, help me.” When we feel weak, we can whisper His name. Many saints have called on His name in times of trouble. His name is a source of strength.

Jesus’ name is holy. It reminds us that He is always with us. Saying His name with faith can bring comfort and hope. We should treasure His name and call on Him every day.

Daily Mass Readings for the Optional Memorial for the Holy Name of Jesus

  • First Reading Philippians 2:1-11: Be united in love and humility. Think of others before yourselves. Christ humbled himself, even to death. Because of this, God raised him up, and all will proclaim him Lord.
  • Responsorial PsalmPsalm 8: God’s name is great across the earth. He made the heavens yet still cares for us. He gave us honor and power over all creation, placing everything under our care.
  • Gospel Luke 2:21-24: After eight days, Jesus was circumcised and named as the angel had said. When the time for purification came, his parents took him to Jerusalem to dedicate him to God and offer sacrifice.

Homilies, Commentaries, and Reflections for the Holy Name of Jesus

Reflection: The Name That Brings Hope

The name of Jesus is more than just a name. It is a source of peace, strength, and hope. When we say His name with faith, we remember that He is always with us. His name brings comfort in times of trouble and courage when we feel weak.

Many people in the Bible called on the name of Jesus. The sick were healed. Sins were forgiven. Evil was cast out. His name carried power then, and it still does now. When life feels heavy, simply saying “Jesus” can bring calm to the soul. His name is like a light in the darkness.

Honoring His name is an act of love. We can show respect by speaking it with care. We can bow our heads when we hear it. We can whisper His name in prayer throughout the day. Small acts like these help keep our hearts close to Him.

The world is full of distractions and worries. It is easy to forget that Jesus is near. But His name reminds us that we are never alone. No matter what we face, we can trust in Him. His name is a promise of love and mercy.

Reflection Questions:

  1. How do I honor the name of Jesus in my daily life?
  2. When have I found comfort in calling on His name?
  3. How can I grow in my trust in Jesus?

He was Called ‘Jesus’

Fr. Richard Ounsworth reflects on the name of Jesus and its meaning. The angel told Mary and Joseph to name Him Jesus, which means “God saves.” This connects Him to two important figures in the Old Testament—Joshua, who led Israel into the Promised Land, and Joshua the high priest, who helped restore worship after exile. Jesus fulfills what they could not. He leads people into the true Promised Land of heaven and is the perfect high priest.

Jesus’ name is not just a label; it shows His mission. He saves people from sin and brings them back to God. Like Joshua, who completed Moses’ work, Jesus completes God’s plan. He brings salvation that goes beyond anything in the Old Testament. He leads people out of sin and into eternal life. His name reminds us of His power, love, and the hope He gives to the world.

Resources for the Holy Name of Jesus

The Wonders of the Holy Name

Fr. Paul O’Sullivan’s booklet, The Wonders of the Holy Name, teaches the power of Jesus’ name. Many Catholics do not realize how important it is to say His name with faith. Calling on Jesus can glorify God, bring help in times of need, assist souls in Purgatory, and protect against evil. It can also bring many blessings, help a person die in peace, and open hearts to God’s grace.

This booklet shows that saying Jesus’ name often is a simple but powerful way to pray. It helps people grow closer to God and receive many spiritual gifts. Fr. O’Sullivan explains that this is the secret to holiness and happiness. The Bible tells us to pray always, and using Jesus’ name makes that possible. This small book can help people deepen their faith, bring peace to their hearts, and pray for others in a meaningful way.

Social Media Graphics for the Holy Name of Jesus

Questions and Answers about the Holy Name of Jesus

What does the name Jesus mean?

The name Jesus means “God saves.” It comes from the Hebrew name Yeshua.

Why is the name of Jesus important?

His name reminds us that He came to save us. It also has power in prayer.

Where does the Bible talk about the name of Jesus?

Many verses mention His name. Philippians 2:10 says, “At the name of Jesus, every knee should bow.”

Why do people bow at the name of Jesus?

Bowing shows respect and love. It reminds us that He is Lord.

How should we use the name of Jesus?

We should say it with love and faith. We should not use it carelessly or in anger.

Can we pray using just His name?

Yes. Simply saying “Jesus” in prayer can bring peace and strength.

Why do some churches have “IHS” on decorations?

“IHS” are the first three letters of Jesus’ name in Greek. It is a symbol of His name.

What is the Feast of the Holy Name of Jesus?

It is a special day to honor His name. It is celebrated on January 3.

Which saints promoted devotion to His name?

St. Bernardine of Siena and the Jesuits helped spread this devotion.

How can I honor the name of Jesus in my daily life?

You can bow when you hear it, pray in His name, and speak it with love.

What are the Mass readings?

First Reading – Philippians 2:1-11: Christ’s Humility and Exaltation
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 8: The Greatness of God’s Name
Gospel – Luke 2:21-24: Jesus Is Circumcised and Presented in the Temple


A Name to Treasure

The name of Jesus is holy. It is a name of love, mercy, and power. It reminds us that He came to save us. His name is a gift that brings peace and strength to those who call on Him.

Christians have honored His name for centuries. The Bible shows its power. The saints preached about its importance. The Church set aside a special day to celebrate it. This reminds us to speak His name with love and respect.

We can honor His name in small ways. We can bow when we hear it. We can pray in His name. We can trust in Him when life is hard. His name is always with us, offering hope and comfort.

Let us remember the power of His name. Let us never take it for granted. Calling on Jesus can bring peace in any moment. His name is a treasure we should hold close.

Your Turn

The name of Jesus is a blessing. Learning about its meaning helps us grow in faith. There are many ways to honor His name in daily life. Simple acts, like bowing at His name or saying it in prayer, can make a difference.

Do you have a special way of honoring the Holy Name of Jesus? Have you ever felt peace when calling on His name? Share your thoughts in the comments. Let’s learn from one another and grow in love for His name!

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