Today we celebrate the Feast of the Holy name of Jesus. We join with the blessed Mother during this feast on the eighth day when a child is brought into the temple and is given his name. The wondrous name that was given to this child was Jesus. As we would see at the nativity many people would flock towards the manger to give this child proper adoration. This list includes the shepherds, Anna the prophetess, and the magi as is celebrated on tomorrow for the Epiphany. All of these figures would give proper adoration to Christ and would follow Sacred Scripture in the reality that "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." According to Saint Bernard of Clairvaux: "the sweet Name of Jesus produces in us holy thoughts, fills the soul with noble sentiments, strengthens virtue, begets good works, and nourishes pure affections."
Concerning the Holy Name of Jesus many pious traditions have developed throughout the Church. One of these traditions is the bowing of one's head at the name of Jesus. Also, when the Holy Name is blasphemed it is a traditional response to pray: "Sit nomen Dómini benedíctum!" ("Blessed be the Name of the Lord"), to which the reply, if overheard, is "Ex hoc nunc, et usque in sæculum!" ("Now and forever!"). Another tradition is the use of the monogram of "IHS" which points towards the devotion to the Holy Name of Jesus. To see "IHS" written upon a vestment, in Church art, or other locations should always bring our minds to this Most Holy Name which is being venerated this day. Devotion to any of these three traditions would help us, our own families, and the society that we live within to rediscover the importance of this Holy Name.
In society we have lost the value of having honor for holy names. We see this so easily played out in the course of the day through people who blaspheme the name of God, Mary, Joseph, or Jesus so carelessly. These names are taken in vain due to being upset, shocked, or simply because it is funny. The recent influx of texting has led many to so quickly be able to use the letters "OMG" without offering a thought to what they are committing. When I attend a movie it is normal to see these letters be used to show how it is disrespectful to text inside of a theater. I agree completely with this action as being disrespectful to those around us, but want us to know how disrespectful it is to take such a beautiful name as that of God, Jesus, or one of the saints in vain. According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church we are told: "Blasphemy is contrary to the respect due God and his holy name. It is in itself a grave sin." We must therefore be aware of our words and if need be realize the importance of showing due respect to the Holy Name.
Instead of the carelessness of falling into the use of blasphemy we should heed those words that were heard earlier from Saint Bernard of Clairvaux. The use of the Holy Name should make us reflect always upon holy thoughts. If we are on the verge of falling into sin we should use the Holy Name as a reminder of the true virtue that we are in search of. If we struggle with the loss of hope we should turn towards the Holy Name to be given what we are currently lacking. If we are afraid let us turn towards the Holy Name to discover comfort. Devotion to the Holy Name of Jesus will always lead us towards the light of Christ and put to rest each fear, sin, or struggle that we will ever face inside of this life. "Blessed be the name of the Lord. Now and forever!"
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