JANUARY
The Holy Name of Jesus
This January, the Church honors the Most Holy Name of Jesus. It's more than a name; it is a prayer, a shield, and the very essence of our salvation. Discover the power hidden in His name and learn simple ways to practice this ancient and beautiful devotion throughout the new year.
Jesus, Name Above All Names
A Name Given by God
As we begin this new calendar year, the Church calls us to start at the very source of our salvation: the Most Holy Name of Jesus. This is not just a title or a label; it is a name of divine origin, a prayer in itself, and a source of immense power.
The feast celebrating the Holy Name, traditionally held on January 3rd, reminds us that this name was given by God Himself. In the Gospel, the angel Gabriel instructs Joseph: "you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins" (Matthew 1:21). His very name is his mission. The word "Jesus" literally means "God saves."
The Power in His Name
For the apostles and the early Church, the name of Jesus was everything. They healed the sick in His name (Acts 3:6), they cast out demons in His name (Luke 10:17), and they proclaimed that there is no other name under heaven by which we are saved (Acts 4:12).
St. Paul, in his letter to the Philippians, tells us that God "bestowed on him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth" (Philippians 2:9-10). When we speak the name of Jesus with faith, we are invoking the very presence and power of God.
The "IHS" Monogram
You will often see the monogram "IHS" in our churches, on vestments, and on the altar. This is a "Christogram," or an ancient symbol for Christ. It is an abbreviation formed from the first three letters of the name "Jesus" in Greek: ΙΗΣΟΥΣ. For centuries, this symbol has served as a visual reminder of the Holy Name and its power.
How to Honor His Holy Name This Month
This devotion is a beautiful way to ground our new year in faith. Here are a few simple ways to practice it:
A Simple Bow
It is a traditional and pious custom to bow your head slightly whenever you hear or say the name "Jesus." This small act of physical reverence trains our hearts to honor Him.
Pray the "Jesus Prayer"
This ancient prayer from the Eastern Church is one of the simplest and most profound. Simply and quietly repeat:
"Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner."
Use His Name with Reverence
Make a conscious effort to avoid using the Lord's name carelessly or in vain. Instead, let us use it only with the love and respect it deserves—as a prayer.
Pray the Litany
For a deeper devotion, we invite you to pray the Litany of the Holy Name of Jesus, which is a beautiful meditation on all that His name signifies for us.
A Closing Thought
This January, let us carry the name of Jesus not just on our lips, but in our hearts. May His name be our comfort in sorrow, our strength in temptation, and our song of joy throughout the coming year.
A Closing Thought
This January, let us carry the name of Jesus not just on our lips, but in our hearts. May His name be our comfort in sorrow, our strength in temptation, and our song of joy throughout the coming year.